Can anybody become a singer? It’s a question that’s been debated by many, probably since the first time someone tried to carry a tune. Weighing the value of learned skill versus innate ability is ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. There’s a massive difference between vocal learning bird species and birds that rely on innate calls. You can teach certain birds ...

This story is part of our summer Book Club conversation about Jennifer Ackerman’s book ‘The Genius of Birds.’ Want to participate? Sign up for our newsletter or send us your thoughts on the SciFri ...

The key to singing in tune? Start with listening – and humming.

Complex learning processes like speaking or singing follow similar patterns. Using the example of zebra finches, researchers have investigated how young birds imitate the courtship songs of their ...