Do giraffes make noises? Contrary to popular belief, these towering animals do produce a range of sounds. While their vocalizations are not as prominent as those of many other mammals, giraffes use subtle auditory communication. This contributes to the misconception that they are largely silent.
Uncovering Giraffe Sounds
Giraffes produce a variety of sounds, though often quiet or at frequencies challenging for human perception. These vocalizations include snorts, hisses, moans, grunts, and bellows. They also make cough-like sounds, bleats, mews, and moos, particularly from young giraffes. One intriguing discovery is a low-frequency humming sound.
This hum, typically around 92 Hz, is often observed at night, making it less detectable by humans. The low frequency of many giraffe sounds, including the hum, contributes to the perception that they are silent, as some sounds may be at the edge or below human hearing range. Despite their long necks and narrow tracheas, giraffes possess a well-developed larynx and vocal cords. Their unique anatomy may lead to a reliance on lower frequencies that travel over longer distances.
The Purpose of Their Calls
Giraffe vocalizations serve various social purposes. Snorts and hisses function as warning signals, alerting other herd members to threats or expressing alarm. Males may emit a loud, cough-like sound during mating season to attract females for courtship.
Female giraffes use vocalizations when communicating with their young, such as roaring, bellowing, or whistle-like sounds. The nocturnal humming is hypothesized to maintain group cohesion, especially when visibility is limited at night, or to signal their presence. These sounds allow giraffes to convey information about location, identity, or emotional state.
Beyond Vocalizations: How Giraffes Truly Communicate
While giraffes vocalize, a significant portion of their communication occurs through non-auditory means. Body language is a primary method, with behaviors such as ear movements, head postures, and tail flicking. For instance, a tall stance with a high head can signal alertness or dominance. Ear pinning might indicate agitation, while a relaxed tail might hang naturally.
Necking, where two male giraffes swing their necks, establishes dominance hierarchies. Visual cues also play a role in monitoring social patterns and subtle behavioral changes. Furthermore, giraffes utilize scent marking through specialized glands, leaving chemical signals about identity, territorial boundaries, or reproductive status. These diverse non-vocal methods contribute to the perception that giraffes are mostly silent, as much of their interaction is observed rather than heard.