Vocal learning has evolved independently and is widespread in two distinct groups of birds, songbirds and parrots. Thus, parrots and songbirds have both independently solved similar neurological and developmental problems related to vocal learning. Contrast and comparison of vocal learning in songbirds and parrots can then provide insight into the underlying biological processes of this complex learned behavior. To best understand these processes, many different researchers simultaneously study behavior, development, perception, hearing, and neuroanatomy of a few key species. The parrot species that is receiving the most study in the laboratory setting is the domesticated Australian parakeet, the budgerigar; however, little field work has been done. Further, it is unknown if the domesticated form, which has received so much study, has diverged from the wild form. Dr. Farabaugh will describe the vocal behavior and repertoires of wild budgerigars and will bring back 20 wild budgerigars to the University of Maryland in order to test their hearing and perception of sound. From these data, she will be able to address the function of vocal learning in budgerigars as well as determine to what degree domesticated budgerigars are different from the wild form. A lack of difference would support the studies already conducted on captive domesticated budgerigars. Alternatively, the discovery of differences would open new avenues of profitable comparative research investigating the neurological underpinnings of the observed differences. This research is important because it will provide basic behavioral data on the key parrot species for intensive study of vocal learning. This data base will allow comparison and contrast not only of wild and domestic budgerigars but also of parrots and songbirds. Such comparative studies increase our understanding of the basic biological processes that underlie complex learned behavior in all species, including humans.
