Why do Birds Sing?
Scientists have known how birds sing for decades but why they sing is still a puzzle. Please join us to learn more from Dr. Lauren Riters about birds and their songs.

The focus of research in Dr. Riters lab is on the neural regulation of vocal communication in songbirds. She and her lab members are interested in 1) how the brain ensures that communication takes place within an appropriate context in response to appropriate social stimuli, 2) how the brain regulates motivation or reward associated with communication, and 3) how the brain regulates selective behavioral responses to communication signals. They are particularly interested in how the brain’s natural motivation and reward systems (the same systems implicated in feeding, sexual behavior, and drug abuse in humans) also participate in the production of vocal communication and responses to vocal signals.

Dr. Riters research integrates semi-natural behavioral observations of aviary housed birds with neuroscience laboratory techniques. Scientific methods include quantitative real-time PCR, gene silencing (siRNA), immunocytochemistry, site-directed and systemic pharmacological manipulations, neuroanatomical tract tracing, and hormone assays. Most studies use European starlings but studies from the lab also include zebra finches, black-capped chickadees, house sparrows, and northern loons (in collaboration with Dr. Walter Piper).

This and other talks in the lecture series are all on Thursdays, 12:30-1:30, in the Blue Hills Lecture Hall (Ritzinger 234) on the UWEC-Barron County campus, located at 1800 College Drive in Rice Lake. Thanks to financial support from the campus foundation, these presentations are free and open to the public. Neither seating reservations nor parking permits are required for attendees. Dr. Doerfler will present via zoom, but in-person attendees will be able to ask questions. Most talks are livestreamed at www.ricelaketv.com; most are also archived for later viewing at https://barron.uwec.edu/business-community/free-viewing-lecture-series/