We know that dogs and cats dream, but do birds? The answer is yes! For the first time ever, researchers have translated the vocal muscle activity of birds while they’re sleeping into a synthetic song.
The findings have helped experts gain a better understanding of the avian brain and hinted at what birds might dream about.
A team of researchers from the University of Buenos Aires chose two wild, great kiskadees for their study. The species is found throughout South America, Central America, and some areas in Mexico and Texas.
The bird has been described as aggressive and boisterous. It is known for its three-syllable call that sounds like “kis-ka-dee,” which is how it got its name. Kiskadees also have yellow feathers covering their bellies; brown wings tinged with orange, and black and white faces.
The scientists used surgically implanted electrodes to monitor the birds’ muscle activity while they were sleeping and awake. Around 100 instances of muscle activity related to singing were recorded.
The team then used the data to create a model that predicted which types of muscle activity would make each sound.
Afterward, they were able to use the model to produce a synthetic song that resembled the noises that kiskadees make when they’re fighting over territory.
When the scientists reviewed video footage of the sleeping bird, they saw that the feathers on its head were raised, which is a behavior that would occur during a territorial confrontation with a rival in the daytime.
According to Gabriel Mindlin, a co-author of the study and a biophysicist at the University of Buenos Aires, the bird may have been having a bad dream.
It is difficult to determine if birds are dreaming even after documenting muscle activity. Birds may not dream exactly like humans do, but the results from the study prove that they are experiencing something during their slumber.
Previous research involving other birds, such as sleeping pigeons, found that they experience brain activity associated with visual processing and signals from the wings, indicating that they might dream of flying.
Additionally, zebra finches tend to emit vibrations in their vocal cords, a behavior that makes it seem like they’re practicing songs.
The research team hopes to be able to experiment on different species of birds in the future and address questions about the role that sleep plays in learning. The methods that were used during this analysis also helped open the door for the study of dreams in other animals.
Overall, the new findings show that we humans share more commonalities with birds than we realize.
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By Emily Chan
Emily Chan is a writer who covers lifestyle and news content. She graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in... More about Emily Chan
