Syrinx Anatomy

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Anatomy of the Syrinx

Program Description

The syrinx is the y-shaped dual voicebox of songbirds. Song control involves both the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the syrinx. Some songbirds can control each branch of the syrinx independently.

Program & Recording Notes

Chris Tenney recorded the Swainson's thrush near Carmel River, and I used his dawn chorus recording from a nearby location.
I highly recommend watching the online multimedia animations of the workings of the syrinx: Suthers Lab Animations of the Syrinx.

Series 1
Introduction
Vocal Range
Importance of Song
Avoiding Monotony
Learning Song
Hip Hop Mimicry
Hummingbird Complexity
Syrinx Anatomy
Internal Duets (Cardinal)
Internal Duets (Cowbird)
Internal Duets (Thrushes)
Syrinx & Pan Pipes

Series 2
Songs & Calls
Call Repertoires
Alarm Calls
Mobbing Calls
Call Notes
Cross-Species Alarms
Pishing
Breathing
Lungs & Air Sacs
Circular Breathing
Resonance
Cooing