Research project
Real time pitch matching in parrots to understand the building blocks of musicality
By studying how well parrots adjust their vocalisations, this project aims to uncover fundamental building blocks of vocal imitation and understand how musical abilities may have evolved.
- Duration
- 2026 - 2029
- Contact
- Michelle Spierings
- Funding
-
NWO
- Partners
Pitch is crucial for language and music, and it has long been thought that only humans can accurately match the pitch they hear with their own voice. Recent discoveries in songbirds suggest this skill may be more common than assumed. This project explores pitch matching in several parrot species, birds famous for their vocal abilities. Through a large citizen science network, parrots will learn to copy whistle patterns that change in pitch. By studying how well parrots adjust their vocalisations, this project aims to uncover fundamental building blocks of vocal imitation and understand how musical abilities may have evolved.