Contributions of Positive Social Interactions to Vocal Learning and Social Cohesion
TL;DR
Different contributions of opioid and dopaminergic signaling to the production, reinforcement, and fine‐tuning of species‐specific songs are discussed, and ways in which reward associated with song production outside the breeding context contributes to flock cohesion are highlighted.
Abstract
In this review we begin by introducing the importance of birdsong that is produced outside the context of breeding and then focus on what is considered one of its primary functions: the learning of species‐typical songs. We then integrate two bodies of research focused on studies of cowbirds and starlings that demonstrate the importance of flock mates and roles for both intrinsic and extrinsic reinforcement in vocal learning. These bodies of research suggest that an individual's intrinsic reward state initiates and reinforces song practice while extrinsic responses of conspecifics to ongoing singing behavior function to fine‐tune the final song product that is later used in reproductive contexts to attract mates or defend territories. We discuss distinct contributions of opioid and dopaminergic signaling to the production, reinforcement, and fine‐tuning of species‐specific songs, highlight ways in which reward associated with song production outside the breeding context contributes to flock cohesion, and propose that song in this context may function as an important yet overlooked social signal.