Neural representation of the number of self-generated vocalizations in crows

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Andreas Nieder
• Subject Area: Cognitive, Systems and Behavioural Neurobiology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 532521431

Corvids are intelligent songbirds with complex vocal abilities, offering a unique model for studying the neural basis of self-generated vocalizations. Understanding how their brains plan, execute, and control vocal behavior provides valuable insights into avian cognition and vocal communication. This proposal combines behavioral studies, electrophysiology, functional imaging, and neuroanatomy to investigate the neuronal mechanisms underlying vocal control in carrion crows. Building on established behavioral protocols for volitional call production, we will record single-unit activity in key vocal brain regions during vocal tasks to identify neurons that encode the number of planned and produced vocalizations. Functional ultrasound imaging will offer a whole-brain view of large-scale network dynamics during vocal behavior. Anatomical studies using tracers will map the connections between vocal and cognitive brain centers. Finally, tissue clearing and light-sheet microscopy will visualize the three-dimensional organization of the crow’s vocal brain. We hypothesize that number-tuned neurons drive precise vocalization planning and execution, that a coordinated vocal network integrates cognitive and motor functions, and that specific connectivity underpins these processes. By elucidating the anatomical connectivity and functional dynamics of the vocal brain, this research will advance our understanding of avian vocal cognition and provide a foundation for comparative studies on vocal control mechanisms.

• DFG Programme: Research Units
• Subproject of: FOR 5768: Neural basis of vocal communication