Respiratory motor correlates of song plasticity in young adult zebra finches

Young adult zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata, 90150 phd) sing a stereotyped song, but can show rapid changes in song structure if sensory feedback is disrupted. The vocal motor correlates accompanying induced song plasticity have not yet been examined. To investigate motor changes underlying song plasticity, air sac pressure and vocal output were recorded in zebra finches (N=4, 90-120 phd) prior to, during, and after removal (reversal) of a clamp placed in each bronchus. The clamp restricted movement of the lateral labia and reduced, or completely eliminated, sound production during song.