Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2025
09:32
Evaluation of Auditory Brainstem Response in Chicken Hatchlings
Published on: April 1, 2022
3.1K
Azimuthal sound localization in the chicken
Gianmarco Maldarelli1, Uwe Firzlaff1, Harald Luksch1
1Chair of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany.
Plos One
|November 22, 2022
Summary
Chickens demonstrate high sound localization acuity, comparable to other birds. Localization accuracy for broadband noise improved with longer sound duration, indicating effective auditory processing in non-auditory specialists.
Area of Science:
- Auditory Neuroscience
- Animal Behavior
- Avian Biology
Background:
- Sound localization is vital for animal survival and reproduction.
- Chickens (Gallus gallus) are non-auditory specialists with a studied auditory system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure the minimum audible angle (MAA) in chickens for sound localization acuity.
- To compare chicken sound localization abilities with other avian species.
Main Methods:
- A behavioral experiment using 3 roosters in a 2-alternative forced choice sound localization task.
- Measurement of MAA using broadband noise of varying durations (0.1 s and 1 s).
Main Results:
- Chickens exhibited high sound localization acuity, comparable to hens in previous studies.
- Localization was more accurate for longer sound durations (1 s; MAA = 16°) than brief durations (0.1 s; MAA = 26°).
- Interaural time and level differences at MAAs suggest informative azimuthal localization cues.
Conclusions:
- Chickens possess significant sound localization capabilities, outperforming many generalist bird species.
- Sound duration is a critical factor influencing localization acuity in chickens.
- The auditory system of chickens provides effective cues for sound localization, despite not being specialized for hearing.
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