A partir de estudos sobre o controle endócrino do comportamento reprodutivo em anuros sabemos que diversos aspectos do comportamento vocal e das interações agonísticas nestes animais encontram-se associados a alterações dos níveis hormonais de testosterona e corticosterona. Dentre as espécies de anuros neotropicais de grande interesse para estudos a respeito do controle endócrino do comportamento reprodutivo destaca-se Hypsiboas faber, uma espécie de hilídeo caracterizada pela presença de machos territorialistas, cujas interações agonísticas abrangem uma diversidade de padrões vocais com agressividade escalar, podendo culminar em embate físico, além da construção de ninhos para oviposição e comportamento facultativo de guarda deste ninho. O objetivo deste trabalho foi entender as inter-relações entre os níveis plasmáticos de corticosterona e testosterona, e os comportamentos de vocalização e defesa territorial em machos de H. faber durante a atividade reprodutiva. Tais interrelações foram investigadas através da observação do comportamento durante as atividades vocais, seguidas de coleta de sangue para dosagem hormonal. Contamos adicionalmente com uma abordagem experimental, que consistiu no uso de gravações do coaxo de anúncio (playback), simulando a invasão de outro macho no território dos indivíduos focais, seguida de observação comportamental e coleta de sangue para dosagem hormonal. O estímulo experimental não surtiu qualquer efeito sobre os níveis plasmáticos de corticosterona e testosterona, nem sobre a maior parte das variáveis comportamentais. Conseguimos identificar um padrão de variação sazonal nos níveis de corticosterona e testosterona, bem como uma correlação positiva entre estes hormônios. Adicionalmente, indivíduos que vocalizam a taxas mais altas apresentam níveis mais elevados de corticosterona durante o início da temporada reprodutiva, enquanto níveis mais elevados de testosterona aparecem nos indivíduos mais responsivos a estímulos provindos do entorno social. / From studies on the endocrine control of reproductive behavior in anurans, we know that many aspects of vocal behavior and agonistic interactions of these animals are related to changes in plasma levels of testosterone and corticosterone. Among the species of neotropical frogs of great interest for studies on the endocrine control of reproductive behavior stands out Hypsiboas faber, a hylid characterized by the presence of territorial males, whose agonistic interactions cover a variety of vocal patterns with aggressiveness scale, which may culminate in physical conflict. Males of H. faber also build nests for oviposition and presents optional guard of the nests with eggs. The aim of this study was to understand the interrelationships between plasma levels of corticosterone and testosterone with calling behavior and territorial defense in males of H. faber during reproductive season. These relationships were investigated by focal observations during the vocal activities, followed by blood sampling for hormonal assay. We additionally used an experimental approach, which consisted of using recorded advertisement calls (playback), simulating an invasion of another male in the territory of the focal subjects, followed by behavioral observation and blood sampling for hormonal assay. The experimental stimulus had no effect on plasma levels of corticosterone and testosterone, neither on the majority of behavioral variables. We can identify a pattern of seasonal variation in levels of corticosterone and testosterone, as well as a positive correlation between these hormones. Additionally, individuals who vocalize at higher rates have higher levels of corticosterone during the beginning of reproductive season, while higher levels of testosterone appear in individuals more responsive to stimuli from the social environment.

The American Dipper (Cinclus mexicanus), an inhabitant of rapidly flowing mountain streams, is an aquatic passerine whose vocalizations have previously been undescribed. This study examines the spectrographic characteristics and contexts of calls and song in a color-banded population of Dippers. calls of adults are the Jih, Weep and Grawk calls; calls of nestlings and fledglings are the Chip and Beg calls. Adult Dippers have a limited number of call types which occupy a middle range of frequencies (3 to 6kHz) and have structural characteristics which enhance detection of vocal signals. Gradation is present between call types. Possible explanations for similarities in characteristics of the Weep call of the adult female and the begging vocalizations of nestlings are discussed. The song is variable and complex, characterized by repetition of notes, contrast between adjacent note types and a wide range of note types. Vocal and social adaptations to the stream environment are considered. Post-feeding singing (PFS) is song given by adult birds immediately following the feeding of fledglings. Females sang following 29. 6% of feedings whereas rrales sang following 14. 6%. Average duration of singing by males (15.4 sec) was almost twice that of females (8.4 sec). Feeding bouts and other contexts of adult singing are discussed. Evidence for the functional significance of PFS and speculations on selective forces shaping its evolution are presented.

Very little is known about red-legged seriema (Cariama cristata) vocalizations and behavior. The focus of my research was to analyze the structure of red-legged seriema primary calls and to begin to test hypotheses related to their function. Captive red-legged seriema behavior, both vocal and non-vocal, was recorded at 7 institutions located in the United States from May 2007 through November 2008. To test whether calls serve a predator alarm function, seriemas were presented with a large stuffed dog, representing a predator stimulus, and 2 control stimuli, a large, stuffed penguin and a large, flowering potted plant. Baseline recordings with no manipulations were also made throughout the day, during the course of the study. All recordings of seriema vocalizations were assessed using sound analysis software to generate sound spectrograms for comparison. I identified three different note types within the seriema primary call: upsweep notes (U), ladder notes (L), and two-part notes (T). Each call begins with a set of U notes that increase in rate and lead into the main part of the call, which is made of L and T notes. Each note type was assessed for duration, frequency, energy, and entropy measurements. These measurements were reduced using factor analysis into two relevant factors. There were substantial differences across individuals for note type acoustic structure. Group differences in note types, including sex, location, and age, were not found. When presented with the dog model, vocal responses were given by only 3 individuals. Overall, it may be possible to identify individual seriemas by analyzing the structure of their primary call, which may allow researchers to identify individuals without physical markers.

Very little is known about red-legged seriema (Cariama cristata) vocalizations and behavior. The focus of my research was to analyze the structure of red-legged seriema primary calls and to begin to test hypotheses related to their function. Captive red-legged seriema behavior, both vocal and non-vocal, was recorded at 7 institutions located in the United States from May 2007 through November 2008. To test whether calls serve a predator alarm function, seriemas were presented with a large stuffed dog, representing a predator stimulus, and 2 control stimuli, a large, stuffed penguin and a large, flowering potted plant. Baseline recordings with no manipulations were also made throughout the day, during the course of the study. All recordings of seriema vocalizations were assessed using sound analysis software to generate sound spectrograms for comparison. I identified three different note types within the seriema primary call: upsweep notes (U), ladder notes (L), and two-part notes (T). Each call begins with a set of U notes that increase in rate and lead into the main part of the call, which is made of L and T notes. Each note type was assessed for duration, frequency, energy, and entropy measurements. These measurements were reduced using factor analysis into two relevant factors. There were substantial differences across individuals for note type acoustic structure. Group differences in note types, including sex, location, and age, were not found. When presented with the dog model, vocal responses were given by only 3 individuals. Overall, it may be possible to identify individual seriemas by analyzing the structure of their primary call, which may allow researchers to identify individuals without physical markers.

A partir de estudos sobre o controle endócrino do comportamento reprodutivo em anuros sabemos que diversos aspectos do comportamento vocal e das interações agonísticas nestes animais encontram-se associados a alterações dos níveis hormonais de testosterona e corticosterona. Dentre as espécies de anuros neotropicais de grande interesse para estudos a respeito do controle endócrino do comportamento reprodutivo destaca-se Hypsiboas faber, uma espécie de hilídeo caracterizada pela presença de machos territorialistas, cujas interações agonísticas abrangem uma diversidade de padrões vocais com agressividade escalar, podendo culminar em embate físico, além da construção de ninhos para oviposição e comportamento facultativo de guarda deste ninho. O objetivo deste trabalho foi entender as inter-relações entre os níveis plasmáticos de corticosterona e testosterona, e os comportamentos de vocalização e defesa territorial em machos de H. faber durante a atividade reprodutiva. Tais interrelações foram investigadas através da observação do comportamento durante as atividades vocais, seguidas de coleta de sangue para dosagem hormonal. Contamos adicionalmente com uma abordagem experimental, que consistiu no uso de gravações do coaxo de anúncio (playback), simulando a invasão de outro macho no território dos indivíduos focais, seguida de observação comportamental e coleta de sangue para dosagem hormonal. O estímulo experimental não surtiu qualquer efeito sobre os níveis plasmáticos de corticosterona e testosterona, nem sobre a maior parte das variáveis comportamentais. Conseguimos identificar um padrão de variação sazonal nos níveis de corticosterona e testosterona, bem como uma correlação positiva entre estes hormônios. Adicionalmente, indivíduos que vocalizam a taxas mais altas apresentam níveis mais elevados de corticosterona durante o início da temporada reprodutiva, enquanto níveis mais elevados de testosterona aparecem nos indivíduos mais responsivos a estímulos provindos do entorno social. / From studies on the endocrine control of reproductive behavior in anurans, we know that many aspects of vocal behavior and agonistic interactions of these animals are related to changes in plasma levels of testosterone and corticosterone. Among the species of neotropical frogs of great interest for studies on the endocrine control of reproductive behavior stands out Hypsiboas faber, a hylid characterized by the presence of territorial males, whose agonistic interactions cover a variety of vocal patterns with aggressiveness scale, which may culminate in physical conflict. Males of H. faber also build nests for oviposition and presents optional guard of the nests with eggs. The aim of this study was to understand the interrelationships between plasma levels of corticosterone and testosterone with calling behavior and territorial defense in males of H. faber during reproductive season. These relationships were investigated by focal observations during the vocal activities, followed by blood sampling for hormonal assay. We additionally used an experimental approach, which consisted of using recorded advertisement calls (playback), simulating an invasion of another male in the territory of the focal subjects, followed by behavioral observation and blood sampling for hormonal assay. The experimental stimulus had no effect on plasma levels of corticosterone and testosterone, neither on the majority of behavioral variables. We can identify a pattern of seasonal variation in levels of corticosterone and testosterone, as well as a positive correlation between these hormones. Additionally, individuals who vocalize at higher rates have higher levels of corticosterone during the beginning of reproductive season, while higher levels of testosterone appear in individuals more responsive to stimuli from the social environment.

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No description available.

Background noise is ubiquitous and can impair acoustic communication and influence signaling behavior in animals. Despite evidence demonstrating myriad effects of anthropogenic noise on animal communication, precisely how natural background noise influences communication and behavior remains unclear. Yet, natural sources of background noise, such as rushing rivers or crashing ocean surf, share similar power spectra to sources of anthropogenic noise and can occur at high amplitudes, potentially masking acoustic signals. To investigate the effects of water-generated noise on songbird behavior, we experimentally broadcast landscape-level playbacks of ocean surf and river noise in coastal California, USA, and riparian habitat in Idaho, USA, respectively. In Chapter 1, we conducted a conspecific playback experiment examining how territorial defense behaviors of lazuli buntings (Passerina amoena) and spotted towhees (Pipilo maculatus) vary in response to broadcast water noise. We also incorporated cicada noise from a serendipitous Okanagana spp. emergence as a biotic source influencing lazuli bunting behavior. Both species produce songs that share substantial spectral overlap with low-frequency, water-generated noise, and lazuli bunting song shares an additional high-frequency overlap with cicada calls. Thus, there is potential for background acoustic conditions to mask conspecific signals. We found that detection and discrimination of conspecific playback occurred more slowly for both species as sound level increased. Lazuli buntings also exhibited divergent flight behaviors in response to high- and low-frequency acoustic sources, both dependent and independent of sound level. In Chapter 2, we investigated how amplitude and frequency of water-generated noise influences spectral and temporal song characteristics in six songbird species. We recorded individuals defending territories across 37 sites, with each site representing one of four acoustic environments: naturally quiet ‘controls’, naturally noisy ‘positive controls’ adjacent to the ocean or a whitewater river, ‘phantom’ playback sites with continuous broadcast of low-frequency water noise, and ‘shifted’ playback sites with continuous broadcast of high-frequency water noise. We predicted that all individuals exposed to ‘positive control’, ‘phantom’, or ‘shifted’ noise would adjust song structure, but the magnitude of signal modification would be larger in noisier locations and the type of modification would depend on the spectral profile of the acoustic environment. No two species altered songs in precisely the same way. However, song structure of all six species varied with amplitude and/or frequency of background noise. Together our results demonstrate that natural noise can impair agonistic behaviors and influence vocal structure. These findings suggest that the natural acoustic environment shapes acoustic communication, highlighting natural soundscapes as an under-appreciated axis of the environment.

At any given time, 3-9% of the general population experiences a voice problem. The incidence of voice disorders in children can vary anywhere between 6 and 23%, yet, only 2-4% of the population are seen by speech-language pathologists for further assessment and treatment. Voice disorders have negative effects on the social, emotional, and physical functioning of the child. Unfortunately, there is little known about the appropriate management of children with voice disorders. Depending on the nature of the voice disorder, different approaches, including behavioral voice therapy, vocal hygiene management, or medical intervention, are available. However, a concern with behavioral voice therapy is the ability of the child to transfer skills learned in clinic to an outside setting - limiting generalization and adaptation of the new behavioral approach. Biofeedback has been successfully used in adults with voice disorders to help generalize new vocal behaviors. Such data is lacking in the treatment of voice problems in the pediatric population. The current case study aimed to understand the use of biofeedback in an eight-year-old male who was diagnosed with a unilateral vocal fold lesion, who exhibited difficulty maintaining and generalizing his new vocal behaviors. It was hypothesized that the child would benefit from biofeedback and would maintain new vocal behaviors including the use of a safe and efficient voice pattern outside the clinic setting. Longitudinal data on vocal parameters including the pitch, loudness, and vocal fold vibration were obtained over a period of five weeks using an ambulation phonation monitor (APM). The APM uses an accelerometer attached to the sternal notch and measures pitch, loudness, and vocal fold vibration, which helps determine an individual’s daily voice use pattern and thereby determines the appropriate biofeedback setting. The five week period included (a) a week of pretesting, (b) two weeks of biofeedback, (c) a week of post-testing immediately following the week of biofeedback, and (d) a generalization testing two months post-study. During the five-week period, vocal parameters were monitored for an average of 7- 10 hours for 2-3 days each week. On weeks two and three, the child was provided with biofeedback on loudness levels based on his data from the pretesting week. Results indicated change in vocal parameters including loudness and vocal fold vibration patterns during the weeks of biofeedback. However, such generalization was not observed neither during immediate post feedback monitoring nor two months following the study protocol. Such data provide immediate effects from biofeedback on vocal behavior, however, motor learning principles, dose, and frequency of biofeedback will be discussed to further understand the long-term effects of biofeedback in children with voice problems.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Objective: it is to compare the frequency of vocal, acoustical and otorhinolaryngological alterations among students who present vocal complaints and street background or not. Method: cross sectional with control group. A random sample of 200 students with a street situation background was selected, aging from 07 to 10, both male and female and all took part in a playful workshop with interviews and vocal assessment afterwards. Out of them, 106 were identified as having voice alteration and/or vocal complaint, which became the study group. This group was then sent to a speech evaluation (hearing perception analysis and spectrography) and an otorhinolaryngological evaluation (physical examination and flexible videonasopharyngealaryngoscopy). The same procedures were performed in 400 students with no street situation background and, after a vocal assessment there were a total of 90 children which became the control group. Results: in the vocal assessment there was a higher incidence of vocal complaints related and/or identified in the risk group accounting 106 (17%) children who also presented characteristics of professional use of spoken voice. In the functional speech diagnosis the control group presented higher incidence of dysphonia accounting 73 (37%) in relation to the risk group. The acoustical analysis presented significant difference (p<0,01) between the two groups. In the otorhinolaryngological evaluation there was equal distribution, among the groups, of otological pathologies accounting 12 (8%), pharyngeal tonsil hypertrophy accounting 100 (67%) and varied laryngeal pathologies. The control group presented higher incidence of palato tonsil hypertrophy accounting 18 (12%) and in the risk group there was a higher incidence of nasal alterations accounting 52 (34%) and triangular medium posterior glottic gap accounting 30 (20%). Conclusion: in the control group there was a higher incidence of hoarseness, harshness and breathiness at a discrete and moderate degree and strained quality voice at a moderate degree associated to palato tonsil hypertrophy and computer acoustical parameters of significantly poor quality in relation to the risk group. The risk group makes professional use of spoken voice with high incidence of normal voice, nasal alterations and triangular medium posterior glottic gap, besides computer acoustical parameters of significantly higher quality in relation to the control group. / Objetivo: Comparar a distribuição das alterações vocais, acústicas e otorrinolaringológicas entre escolares com queixas vocais, com ou sem história de situação de rua. Método: transversal com grupo controle. Foi selecionada uma amostra aleatória de 200 escolares com história de situação de rua, com idade entre 07-10 anos, de ambos os sexos. Todos participaram de oficina lúdica, com entrevista e triagem vocal posterior. Destas, 106 crianças foram identificadas com alteração vocal e/ou relataram queixa vocal que se constituiu no grupo de estudo. Este grupo foi encaminhado para avaliação fonoaudiológica (análise perceptivo-auditiva e espectrografia) e avaliação otorrinolaringológica (exame físico e vídeonasofaringolaringoscopia flexível). Os mesmos procedimentos foram realizados com 400 escolares, sem história de situação de rua e após triagem vocal formou-se um total de 90 crianças que se constituiu no grupo controle. Resultados: Na triagem vocal houve significância de queixas vocais relatadas e/ou identificadas em 106 (17%) crianças do grupo de risco e que também apresentou características de uso profissional da voz falada No diagnóstico fonoaudiológico o grupo controle apresentou significância de disfonia em 73 (37%) crianças em relação ao grupo de risco. Na análise acústica computadorizada houve diferenças significativas (p<0,01) entre os dois grupos. Na avaliação otorrinolaringológica ocorreu distribuição igual entre os grupos de alterações otológicas 12 (8%), hipertrofia de tonsila faríngea 100 (67%) e alterações laríngeas variadas. O grupo controle apresentou significância de hipertrofia de tonsila palatina 18 (12%) e no grupo de risco ocorreu significância de alterações nasais 52 (34%) e fenda glótica triangular média posterior 30 (20%). Conclusão: No grupo controle, houve significância no tipo de voz rouca, áspera, soprosa grau discreto e moderado e, voz tensa grau moderado associado à hipertrofia de tonsila palatina e parâmetros acústicos computadorizados com qualidade significantemente inferiores em relação ao grupo de risco. O grupo de risco faz uso profissional da voz falada com significância de voz normal, alterações nasais e fenda glótica triangular média posterior além de parâmetros acústicos computadorizados com qualidade significantemente superior em relação ao grupo controle.