Simple neural substrate predicts complex rhythmic structure in duetting birds

ANA AMADOR; M.A. TREVISAN; G.B. MINDLIN

San Carlos de Bariloche, Ro Negro - Argentina

Congreso; IX Latin AmericanWorkshop on Nonlinear Phenomena (LAWNP); 2005

Horneros (Furnarius Rufus) are south american birds well known for their oven-looking nests and their ability to sing in couples. In this work we analyze the rhythmic organization of the duets. The rhythms of the songs are compatible with the dynamics presented by a wide class of dynamical systems: forced excitable systems. Compatible with this nonlinear rule, we build a biologically inspired model for how the neural and the anatomical elements may interact to produce the observed rhythmic patterns. This model allows us to synthesize songs presenting the acoustic and rhythmic features observed in real songs. We also make testable predictions in order to support our hypothesis.