Introductory note mini-breaths prepare zebra finches for song

Magee, Andrew Raylee

Item

Introductory note mini-breaths prepare zebra finches for song

Magee, Andrew Raylee

Date

2025-04-28

Abstract

Zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) produce a learned song that is preceded by at least one introductory note; previous work questioned whether introductory notes have a preparatory function. The current study investigated changes in respiratory patterns generating the introductory notes sequences that preceded song in zebra finches. Changes in the area, mean, and peak amplitude of inspiratory and expiratory features of introductory notes were observed, where the results showed that birds progressed toward a song-like respiratory pattern. A sequence was observed with a transition from early introductory note inspiratory features gradually transitioning toward features of the first song inspiration. Weaker evidence of a similar respiratory transition toward song respiration was found for expiratory features of introductory notes. These data provide a clear relationship between introductory notes and song; they likely serve as respiratory preparation for breathing before singing, allowing birds to ready the air supply and tempo to match song respiration.