Learning from a novel "Tutor" Uncouples song imitation and preference in zebra finches

Neuroscientists commonly use behavior to assess the impact of experimental neural manipulations. While novel technical methods need to be carefully controlled for unintended effects, the use of behavioral metrics without consideration of normal development should be approached with caution as well. In zebra finches, song imitation and song preference are behavioral indicators of memory that are learned interdependently from the father under standard laboratory conditions. Here, we manipulate the natural learning environment by introducing a novel "tutor" for brief tutoring sessions mid-development, a paradigm frequently used simultaneously with neural manipulations. By using song-preference tests and three distinct methods to quantify song imitation, we reveal that behavioral plasticity can occur independently in these two domains. While song preference and imitation are usually learned together, our results indicate a neural dissociation between these two forms of learning and memory upon introduction of a novel song tutor. This highlights the importance of critically evaluating the validity of behavioral paradigms when inferring neural function from experimental manipulations.