Auditory sensitivity, equal loudness, temporal resolving power, and vocalizations in the house finch (Carpodacus mexicanus).

Authors:
  • RDRobert J. Dooling
    Robert J. Dooling
  • SZStephen R. Zoloth
    Stephen R. Zoloth
  • JBJeffrey R. Baylis
    Jeffrey R. Baylis
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Abstract
Absolute thresholds for pure tones were measured in four house finches by use of avoidance conditioning and a modified method of limits. Response reaction time to each tone presentation served as a data base for generating a family of "equal loudness" contours. Temporal resolving power was measured in two additional birds and compared with similar measures in man. The results are discussed in relation to previous studies of vocalizations in the house finch, and the average power spectra of selected individual vocalizations are presented.