Syrinx (bird anatomy)

As the head voice phonation organ of birds is called. The scientific name Syrinx is derived from the pan flute, which is named after a Greek nymph Syrinx also. The voice header is also referred to as the lower larynx. The actual " upper" larynx in birds serves exclusively for the separation of air and Nahrungsweg and not for voice training, he also has no vocal cords ( vocal folds, vocal folds ).

The head voice is the most birds on the splitting of the windpipe (trachea ) into the two main bronchi (so-called tracheobronchaler vocal head). In some species it is directly located in the trachea ( tracheal vocal head), with some more in the main bronchi ( bronchaler vocal head).

Construction

The tracheobronchale syrinx begins with a compact cavity, the tympanum (2). It is formed by fusion of the posterior bone rings of the trachea. In the male ducks birds the tympanum has a left -side extension ( Bulla syringealis ). Inside is the splitting of the main bronchi a bony ridge which Pessulus (4). From the tympanum sit on the bronchi Syrinxringe the fort, which are divided into two groups (3, 7). A membrane between the two groups is externally clamped, the lateral tympaniformis membrane (5). Also on the inside of a membrane is stretched tympaniformis medial (6). She sits down in the connective tissue continues, that includes the C-shaped tracheal cartilage (9 )

Function

The voltage of the four Syrinxmembranen can be varied by muscles. High-frequency vibrations of expirations solve these membranes, which are modulated by the muscles and cause the species-specific song of the birds in their entirety. This bird sounds are often so characteristic that a species identification solely on the vocals here is possible without causing the bird to be seen.

A number of birds is able to operate the Syrinxmembranen both sides independently of each other and thus produce two part songs. Cowbirds ( Molothrus genus ) use alternating left and right side, so that they can produce very rapid tone sequences (up to 30 tones per second).

Other mechanisms of sound production

Apart from the actual vocal organ use birds, other mechanisms for the generation of sounds, such as:

• Stamping with the foot (eg Coot )
• Rattling with the pines, so the upper and lower mandible (eg storks, frigate birds, owls)
• Wing beat (eg wood pigeon ), in some species, specialized feathers for producing sounds are formed
• Knocking noise ( Woodpeckers )