Data for: Specificity of California mouse pup vocalizations in response to olfactory stimuli

To investigate flexibility in vocal signaling by rodent pups, we examined whether olfactory stimuli influence characteristics of pup calls and how these calls may be affected by sex and litter size in California mice (Peromyscus californicus). Pups were isolated and recorded during a 3-minute baseline period followed by a 5-minute exposure to bedding containing scent from their home cage, scent from the home cage of an unfamiliar family, coyote urine, or no scent (control). Latency to call, call rate, and call characteristics (duration, frequency, and amplitude) were compared between the baseline and scent-exposure periods and among olfactory conditions. Compared to the control condition, pups from 2-pup litters called more quietly when exposed to odor from a predator, while pups from 3-pup litters called more loudly. Additionally, pups showed non-significant tendencies to reduce call rates in response to odors from their home cage and to increase call rates when exposed to predator uri...