Researchers find that birdsong, particularly in species like the great tit, is influenced by age, social interactions, and migration, reflecting a dynamic cultural evolution. While some birds learn songs, the collective repertoire varies among individuals and populations. The study, led by Dr. Nilo Merino Recalde from the University of Oxford, analyzed over 20,000 hours of song recordings with AI tools. It revealed that younger birds tend to adopt modern songs, while older birds gravitate towards traditional compositions, highlighting an interesting analogy with human language and music.
Dr Nilo Merino Recalde stated that common elements shape learned traits in birds, akin to human languages and music, but emphasized the distinct roles of each.
The study shows that changes in a bird population significantly affect song similarities, learning, and replacement rates, showcasing a dynamic cultural evolution in birds.
Unique to each neighbourhood, younger great tits predominantly sing popular modern songs, while older individuals favor traditional songs, reflecting a generational shift in bird communication.
The study utilized AI and extensive sound recordings, revealing insights into how age, immigration, and neighbourhood dynamics affect birdsong patterns in great tits.
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