In order for a signal to initiate ASR it needs to be: 1) within the main hearing range of the birds (between 300 Hz and 6500 Hz); 2) with a signal intensity peak of at least
112 dB at 1meter/3.3feet from the bird 3) with acceleration time duration (from ambient noise level to peak intensity) of 10 ms or less. These ASR initiating signals are synthetically produced in a sound lab with a signal generator. When ASR is initiated, it creates significant signal transmission in the cochlear nerve, directly activating a motor center in the reticular formation of the avian brain. When repeated, these signals lead to progressive amplification of the ASR, resulting in sensitization instead of habituation