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

Abstract

Absolute thresholds for pure tones were measured in 4 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 2 additional birds and compared with similar measures in man. Vocalizations in the house finch and the average power spectra of selected individual vocalizations are presented.