Functional organisation of the field-L-complex of adult male zebra finches

FUNCTIONAL maps of auditory response areas were established from multiunit recordings in the caudal telencephalon of male zebra finches. The response criterion was a difference of activity from the spontaneous discharge level . Pure tones and conspecific song were used as stimuli. The auditory part o f the caudal telencephalon in zebra finches can be subdivided into six func tionally separated centres. The definition of separate areas is based on th e existence of tonotopic gradients in each single area and on differences i n neural response behaviour between areas. The anatomical area L2a is funct ionally subdivided into two tonotopic centres. Other areas can be identifie d by anatomy and function. The borders vary slightly depending on the descr iption method. (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.