Latest Finches Stories

Emory University Scientists studying how songbirds stay on key have developed a statistical explanation for why some things are harder for the brain to learn than others. “We’ve built the first mathematical model that uses a bird’s previous sensorimotor experience to predict its ability to learn,” says Emory biologist Samuel Sober. “We hope it will help us understand the math of learning in other species, including humans.” Sober conducted the research with physiologist...

Brett Smith for redOrbit.com - Your Universe Online British researchers have found that male finches will use their birdsongs like their human counterpart use an out-of-date Facebook profile picture – to trick a potential mate into thinking they are more physically fit than they actually are. According to the team’s report in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, these males only ply their deception with females they have just met, as familiar lady birds can see through the phony...