Effect of feed-time duration on discrimination of vocalizations in a go/no-go operant paradigm.

Refining and modifying experimental procedures play a vital role in improving methodology while also reducing animal distress. In this study, we asked if an increase in feed time duration affects discrimination in an operant go/no-go task. Specifically, we used zebra finches' sexually dimorphic distance calls as acoustic stimuli to test whether there were any significant differences in performance on an operant discrimination task requiring zebra finches to classify calls according to the sex of the producer when a key experimental parameter, feed time duration, was increased from 1 s to 2 s.

The impact of anthropogenic noise on individual identification via female song in Black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus).

When anthropogenic noise occurs simultaneously with an acoustic signal or cue, it can be difficult for an animal to interpret the information encoded within vocalizations. However, limited research has focused on how anthropogenic noise affects the identification of acoustic communication signals. In songbirds, research has also shown that black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) will shift the pitch and change the frequency at which they sing in the presence of anthropogenic, and experimental noise.