Photoperiod and tutor access affect the process of vocal learning

Song learning in white-crowned sparrows, Zonotrichia leucophrys, involves three steps: memorization of external models, song practice and selection of a song from the practiced repertoire for crystallization. These three events occur in a sequential and predictable order during the first year of life in captive sparrows. To study the external regulation of these events, we raised nestling sparrows under conditions in which photoperiod and tutor exposure were manipulated. We measured plasma testosterone concentration twice a month to study its role in the mediation of vocal learning. We conclude that the timing of song memorization is relatively impervious to photoperiodic manipulation. Song practice and crystallization, however, were readily influenced by both photoperiod and tutor exposure. We suggest that low testosterone concentrations permit acquisition at an older age than would normally occur, and confirm that testosterone propels the transition to production of crystallized song, but is not required for the onset of song practice. Copyright 1998 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.