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Food transfer between adults and infants is common in many marmoset and tamarin monkeys, and is often accompanied by vocalizations. We hypothesized that vocalizations by adults in a food transfer context creates an opportunity for infants to learn not only what foods are appropriate but what vocalizations are appropriate in feeding contexts. We studied the development of feeding behavior and food-associated vocalizations in 10 infant cotton-top tamarins through the first 20 wks of life. Infants obtained solid food through transfers from older group members, primarily the adult male, beginning at weeks 5–6. Both adults and infants vocalized during food transfers with adults, producing rapid sequences of the call types adults normally give when feeding. Infants were usually successful in obtaining food primarily when the adult was vocalizing. The sooner infants were active participants in food transfers, the sooner they began to feed independently. In the early weeks, infants produced a large number of vocal types during food transfers, but with increasing age there was a steady increase in the number of adult-form food calls and a reduction in other, non-food-associated calls. Infants that fed independently at an early age produced fewer non-food-associated calls by the last month of observation. Infants called at higher rates to their most preferred food. Food transfers accompanied by vocalizations may provide an opportunity for infants to learn about appropriate foods as well as the vocalizations that accompany feeding in adults, and may represent a form of ‘coaching’ or information donation by adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite extensive documentation in many taxa of vocalizations specific to feeding contexts, little is known of the variables leading to production of food-associated calls. We thus experimentally investigated food-associated calls in cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus). In one experiment, we examined the roles of food quantity, quality and distribution and of social condition of individuals on food-associated calling. Paired adults without offspring gave more vocalizations than immature individuals and adults with offspring. We observed no effects of food quantity or distribution on calling rate. Tamarins called more often to peaches, a food of intermediate preference that was also consumed the fastest. Tamarins gave more food-associated calls when in closer proximity to other group members. Low rates of moderate aggression were observed in single, but not multiple, feeder conditions. We saw no consistent evidence of dominance among adults, and all aggression in family groups was directed toward immature animals. In another experiment, we presented a tamarin with food in a separate cage, either in view of or visually isolated from its mate. Tamarins presented with food called at an equal rate whether or not their mates were visible, suggesting no effect of audience on calling. Individuals not presented with food called in response to the food calls of their mates equally often, irrespective of whether or not the mate or the food was visible. Since food calling occurs at extremely low rates in the absence of food, the food calling by tamarins that cannot see the food suggests that the calls of their mates provide representational information about food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the effects of social environment on food-associated calling of cotton-top tamarins, Saguinus oedipus. Comparison of the food-associated calling behavior within natal environment and after removal from family groups; Role of social status in the use of food-associated calls.

Investigates the ontogeny of the production and usage of food-associated calls in captive cotton-top tamarins. Use of chirps in food contexts; Correlation of calling rate in food context with food preference ranking of tested foods; Feeding behavior of juveniles and subadults; Search for evidence of vocal development; Food preference determination; Vocalization analysis; Stimulus presentation.