Sparrows deprived of food early in life are unable to learn the songs that attract elite mates, researchers say.
If the fledglings lack adequate nutrition, the part of the brain that helps them to learn, reproduce and recognise songs fails to develop properly, a new study shows.The poorer repertoire that results is a signal to potential mates that the affected birds are less healthy compared to fully fed birds, experts say.
âFemales may pay attention to male song since it may reflect how well a male dealt with early stress during development,â? says MacDougall-Shackleton.
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn9764-hungry-sparrows-sing-the-saddest-songs.html
