Juvenile learning in the avian model involves at least two components of mutually contrasted motoric expressions: one set involves distinct calling patterns such as isolation-induced despair vocalizations (DV; [2]) and has been found to be a reliable measure signaling emotional and hormonal status [1]. The other set is provided by progressive movement and has been taken as an indication for early exposure learning in a long series of experiments. Here we combine both groups of signals and study their inter-relation under semi-natural conditions. DV calling patterns are recorded simultaneously together with spatial location preference within cue-polarized fields. Visual cues are provided by specific spatial arrangments of mirrors. It is shown how place responses can become dissociated by measures of emotional expressions and postnatal experience (isolation, social groups with conspecifics, grouping with undisposed visual signals).

References

1. Bernroider, G. (1996). Sex steroid-opioid interactions associated with the temporal component of avian calling patterns. Hormones & Behavior, 30, 583-589.
2. Panksepp, J. (1989). The neurobiology of emotions: of animal brains and human feelings. In: H. Wagner and A. Manstead (Eds), Handbook of Social Psychophysiology, 6-26. Chichester: Wiley.

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