Sparrow songs may be more complex than previously thought

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2022-01-26 11:01

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Song sparrow's songs may be more complex than was previously thought possible for non-human animals, according to international researchers, who analysed the complex cycling patterns of songs known as 'bouts' produced by the little birds. By listening to recordings of the song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) the researchers were able to identify that the sparrows will cycle through their entire repertoires in close to the minimum number of bouts which is usually 9 - 10, varying the order of song types between each cycle. They also found that each cycle will vary depending on what was sung in the last cycle and a song type will be repeated more often if the length of time before it happens again is longer. The researchers suggest that these complex rules make it harder for males to match the song type of rivals, which is seen to be an aggressive move.