[Vocal learning and cognition in oscine songbirds: a model for studying the biological basis of language]

Birdsong represents a model of choice for studying the biological mechanisms underlying vocal learning, a rare capacity in the animal kingdom that is shared in particular by humans. They learn their song through imitation during a sensitive period of their development, a process reminiscent of language acquisition in human infants. Neuro-anatomically, they possess specialized brain circuits dedicated to song production and learning. Furthermore, oscines demonstrate cognitive abilities including memory, attention, and behavioral flexibility, which support vocal learning. General intelligence refers to an overall cognitive capacity that allows for the solving of varied problems, while modularity posits that the human mind is composed of specialized cognitive modules, each dedicated to a particular type of information processing. In birds, vocal learning abilities may reveal insights into cognitive abilities of an individual. While several studies have obtained mixed results regarding the existence of a link between song structure and cognitive abilities at the individual level, a recent study tends to show a link between vocal learning abilities (in particular the size of the vocal repertoire including song and calls, and the ability to imitate heterospecific sounds, throughout life) and problem-solving ability, at the specific level. These studies consolidate birdsong as a relevant model to study the neurobiological, molecular and physiological substrates of vocal learning and cognitive abilities. They also highlight the interest of non-human animal models in understanding the evolution of vocal communication and associated cognitive functions.