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Superfast muscles control dove's trill

Author

Listed:
  • Coen P. H. Elemans

    (Experimental Zoology Group, Wageningen University)

  • Igor L. Y. Spierts

    (Experimental Zoology Group, Wageningen University)

  • Ulrike K. Müller

    (Experimental Zoology Group, Wageningen University)

  • Johan L. van Leeuwen

    (Experimental Zoology Group, Wageningen University)

  • Franz Goller

    (University of Utah)

Abstract

Bird songs frequently contain trilling sounds that demand extremely fast vocalization control1,2. Here we show that doves control their syrinx, a vocal organ that is unique to birds, by using superfast muscles. These muscles, which are similar to those that operate highly specialist acoustic organs such as the rattle of the rattlesnake, are among the fastest vertebrate muscles known and could be much more widespread than previously thought if they are the principal muscle type used to control bird songs.

Suggested Citation

  • Coen P. H. Elemans & Igor L. Y. Spierts & Ulrike K. Müller & Johan L. van Leeuwen & Franz Goller, 2004. "Superfast muscles control dove's trill," Nature, Nature, vol. 431(7005), pages 146-146, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:431:y:2004:i:7005:d:10.1038_431146a
    DOI: 10.1038/431146a
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