Sequencing and Complex Communication

The complex songs of birds help convey a variety of information, including identity and behavioral context, and can change rapidly through social learning. Parrots, or Psittaciformes, learn songs throughout their lives, modifying them when flocks come into contact. This makes them ideal systems to study social learning and complex communication.

Our studies are carried out on laboratory populations of parrots, housed at the bird facility in JNCASR. We currently study two species, the budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) and the rosy-faced lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis), and have also worked with cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus). Employing a combination of quantitative analyses, behavioral experiments (using synchronized cameras and microphones) and field recordings, we aim to understand syntactic convergence and the function of complex vocal sequences during courtship.