Sound localization in bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus).

Bobwhites ( Colinus virginianus ) sound localization was tested using a minimal audible angle paradigm. Two quail each were tested using either a 1- or 2-kHz tone or a white-noise stimulus. Then, one from each condition was retested using one of the other stimuli. Localization: (1) was most accurate to the white-noise and 2-kHz stimuli, (2) below 120°, as the angular discrimination became more difficult, white noise performance decreased smoothly, but (3) decreased non-monotonically to both tonal stimuli. The results were interpreted as meaning that perhaps only higher frequency components of Bobwhites' calls serve a localization function, and that the pinna response may provide localization cues in this species.