Babbler birds from the Australian outback apparently communicate the way humans do. (Photo : Wikimedia)
A new study reveals that a certain bird from the Australian outback is apparently communicating in such a way that is very similar to the way humans do.
This new study discovered that the chestnut-crowned babbler has the ability to compose together different sounds and mix them in different patterns in order to convey different meanings.
According to lead author Sabrina Engesser from the University of Zurich, scientists have long known about the birds' ability to place together different sounds and patterns for their songs however, this is the first time that these sounds apparently hold a significant meaning to them.
She adds that by changing the arrangement of the sounds within their songs, it does not appear to change its overall message. However, the babbler bird does not communicate by singing to each other.
Engesser further explains that its extensive vocal range can be described with discrete calls that are made from smaller, acoustic sounds that are individually, distinct.
Researchers have also examined these bird calls and discovered that the different patterns were apparently utilized during differed situations. Scientists have deciphered these patterns where two sounds can be combined to produce a flight call or a different combination of these two sounds can also produce a feeding call.
During the course of the study, researchers played these sounds and the birds revealed different reactions like intently looking at their nests when they hear the feeding call or looking out for other incoming birds when they hear the flight call.
According to co-author of the study, Simon Townsend, this marks the first time that the birds have shown the capacity to produce new meaning from composing otherwise meaningless sound elements other than the human species.
Two babbler bird calls can be very similar in structure however they are otherwise produced in different behavioral contexts where birds can decipher the differences.
Researchers now believe that their findings can show the first steps of how language emerges into elaborate language systems we know of today. This study is published in the journal, PLOS Biology.
