A Preliminary Exploration of the Effects of Different Sound Types on the Behavior of Melopsittacus undulates (Budgerigar)

Beijing No. 4 High School International Campus, Beijing, China

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Abstract

Objective: To explore the effects of different sound types (including different species, frequencies, and volumes on Melopsittacus undulatus singing and approach and avoidance behaviors. Methods: The experimental or test group was set up with different combinations of sound types, frequencies, and volume, and its effects on Melopsittacus undulatus singing and approach and avoidance response were observed. Results: The immediate and sustained effects of noise on Melopsittacus undulatus singing behavior were significantly increased compared to musical tones; under the same volume, high frequency and undulating sounds led to an increase in both immediate and subsequent calls of Melopsittacus undulatus; under the same frequency, a high volume will lead to an increase in the number of tweeting made by Melopsittacus undulatus; a combined increase in frequency and volume will lead to a highly significant increase in the number of tweeting made by Melopsittacus undulatus. An 85dB noise triggers a singing response from Melopsittacus undulatus and produces a clear source avoidance behavior; a frequency of 2048Hz triggers a singing response from Melopsittacus undulatus. Conclusion: This study revealed that noise was more likely to elicit an increase in the number of tweeting made by Melopsittacus undulatus than musical sounds. Loudness volumes of 85dB and above and frequency of 2048Hz and above were more likely to trigger the singing and approach and avoidance response in Melopsittacus undulatus.