Songbird Sings Only One Tune Throughout Its Life, Study Shows

Male birds that are able to precisely repeat song notes stand the best chance of attracting a female mate, according to a new study published in Nature Communications.

However, the males need to ensure they have a selection of different songs in their repertoire if they are to hold a female's attention and prevent her from getting bored.

How song precision signals quality and attractiveness

(Photo : Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The study, by scientists from Lancaster University and Manchester Metropolitan University, focused on the song of wild blue tits, a common and colorful songbird that breeds in Europe and Asia, as per Phys.org.

The researchers recorded and analyzed 7,000 songs of blue tits breeding in closely monitored nest boxes near Lancaster University over two years.

They devised an experiment that involved playing song recordings to receptive females and discovered that male vocal consistency-repeating the same pattern of notes with high precision-was the key song feature that made females sexually excited.

According to the study, the vocal consistency is a reliable signal of quality and attractiveness in male blue tits, as it reflects their motor skills, social status, reproductive output, longevity, sexual attractiveness, and ability to defend territories.

It is further noted that vocal consistency is also important for individual recognition and mate choice, as each blue tit has its own unique signature whistle that distinguishes it from other individuals.

They say that vocal consistency increased over the breeding season and it peaked during the seven to 10-day period when his female partner was at her most fertile when she laid an egg daily.

How song variety prevents boredom and habituation

The study also shows that while singing exact copies of the same note was sexy, it also became "boring" for females, as per The Spruce.

Their response gradually declined (habituated) until it was reignited when males switched to a different song type.

The researchers say that this phenomenon may explain why birdsong in most species is not hypervariable and constantly changing but shows some moderate variation-balancing the reliable signal of quality against the need to avoid the female habituating and losing interest.

They say that when males sing different song types or introduce silent pauses between songs, it reduces female habituation and helps retain her interest.

The song variety may also reflect other aspects of male quality, such as cognitive abilities, learning skills, and environmental adaptability

However, more research is needed to understand how different song features interact and influence female preferences and behavior.

Also Read: Colorful, Unique Plumage of Songbirds Raises Risk of Being Traded, May Lead Extinction 

Other benefits of singing for birds

The study also highlights some other benefits of singing for birds that go beyond attracting mates and defending territories. Some of these benefits are:

•  Singing can improve mood and well-being for birds, as it releases endorphins and dopamine in their brains. Singing can also reduce stress and anxiety for birds in captivity or under challenging conditions.
•  The activity can enhance learning and memory for birds, as it stimulates neural pathways and synaptic connections in their brains. Singing can also facilitate social learning and cultural transmission of songs among birds.
•  It can strengthen social bonds and cooperation for birds, as it synchronizes their behavior and emotions. Singing can also facilitate group cohesion and coordination among flocking or migrating birds.
•  Singing can deter predators and parasites for birds, as it signals their vigilance and readiness to escape or fight. Singing can also repel brood parasites such as cuckoos that lay their eggs in other birds' nests.

Related article: Songbirds Can Sing Like Humans With Complex Vocal Cords