Neural circuits for socially-guided vocal learning in zebra finches

• Applicant: Dr. Daniela Vallentin
• Subject Area: Cognitive, Systems and Behavioural Neurobiology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 547921981

Social interactions are essential for vocal learning. Human infants, for instance, learn their first words by imitating their parents and improve performance by evaluating parental feedback. Social feedback also shapes the development and maturation of learned vocalizations in other animal groups suggesting the presence of common neural mechanisms. However, the neural circuits that mediate socially-guided learning of vocalizations remain poorly understood. Here, the Vallentin lab in collaboration with Raghav Rajan propose to address this question using the zebra finch as our model system. Zebra finches learn their songs in a process similar to human speech learning. Young zebra finches listen to and memorize the song of an adult male tutor during a critical period in their life. This is followed by a period of practice before the bird achieves a good copy of the memorized tutor song. Recent studies have shown that the accuracy of song learning is not only shaped by the male tutor but is also influenced by feedback from the female bird. We propose to characterize the influence of female feedback on song learning and to determine the neural circuits mediating this socially-guided learning of song. Central Hypothesis. We aim to test the central hypothesis that social feedback from the female influences song learning by engaging dopaminergic pathways, and thereby inducing neural plasticity in the song premotor circuitry. Aim 1: We will characterize how females’ multisensory feedback influences learning of different song characteristics. The Vallentin lab will use naturalistic conditions to tutor juvenile birds, with song playbacks from a speaker, in the presence or absence of female. To characterize the accuracy of song learning in the presence or absence of a female, the Vallentin lab will use wireless backpack microphones, to measure the sources and timing of vocal feedback relative the song practiced by the juvenile. Raghav Rajan will use videos of females to provide specific social feedback cues to isolated juvenile birds during song practice periods. Aim 2: To determine the dynamics of dopamine release in the song premotor nucleus, HVC, during the presentation of social feedback cues, we propose the following: Using fiber photometry in singing juveniles, we will image dopamine release in HVC while juvenile birds are receiving social feedback from females that is appropriately timed relative to the practice song. Aim 3: To determine the effect of social feedback cues on the output of vocal premotor neurons, we propose to record neural activity of HVC premotor neurons during the song-feature-contingent presentation of multisensory cues. By using complementary experimental approaches and the expertise of two songbird labs, we propose to make significant advances in our understanding of how social feedback modifies vocal motor circuits, thereby shaping the learning of skilled motor behaviors.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: India
• Cooperation Partner: Professor Raghav Rajan, Ph.D.