Neural circuits: How the songbird brain orchestrates courtship displays

Volitional production of complex behaviors can be motivated by intrinsic rewards and also by extrinsic cues, like social engagement. A new study has revealed the neural circuit permitting social motivation to release multi-component courtship behaviors in a songbird, specifically the zebra finch.

Automated summary

A new study has shown how the neural circuit enables social motivation to generate diverse courtship behaviors in songbirds like the zebra finch.