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It seems that stress may play a role in determining whether some birds mimic others. A study in Bowerbirds has found that
The birds mostly mimicked the alarm, mobbing and aggressive calls of neighbouring species: sounds mainly heard during tense situations such as when territories are violated.
"Stress has been shown to enhance learning and memory in many tasks," said Dr Kelley.
"We suggest that bowerbirds learn these alarm sounds when stressed and then later reproduce them when in another stressful situation."
"This is the first study to suggest that stress may play a role in vocal mimicry, and may explain why mimicry of predators and alarm calls are observed in so many species."
It seems that stress may play a role in determining whether some birds mimic others. A study in Bowerbirds has found that
The birds mostly mimicked the alarm, mobbing and aggressive calls of neighbouring species: sounds mainly heard during tense situations such as when territories are violated.
"Stress has been shown to enhance learning and memory in many tasks," said Dr Kelley.
"We suggest that bowerbirds learn these alarm sounds when stressed and then later reproduce them when in another stressful situation."
"This is the first study to suggest that stress may play a role in vocal mimicry, and may explain why mimicry of predators and alarm calls are observed in so many species."
