Do Squirrels Actually Chirp at Night?
Many people wonder if chirping sounds heard after dark come from squirrels. While most common squirrel species are active during the day, making nocturnal chirps from them unlikely, a specific type of squirrel is active at night and produces distinct chirping sounds. This article explores squirrel vocalizations and habits, and identifies common sources of nighttime chirps.
Squirrel Sounds and Daily Habits
Squirrels engage in various vocalizations during daylight hours. Eastern gray squirrels, for instance, produce barks, chatters, and high-pitched chirps. These sounds serve communication purposes, such as signaling danger, alerting others to food, or establishing dominance. A sharp bark often acts as an alarm call, warning of threats, while chattering can indicate excitement or aggression. Young squirrels, known as kits, may also make high-pitched chirping or squeaking noises when distressed or calling for their mother.
Most squirrel species are diurnal, resting at night. This behavior stems from their reliance on visual cues for navigation, foraging, and predator detection, as their eyes are adapted for daytime vision. They typically sleep in nests or dens after dusk. Flying squirrels, however, are a notable exception as they are nocturnal. These social creatures use chirps and high-pitched squeaks to communicate during their active nighttime hours.
Identifying Nocturnal Chirps
If nocturnal chirping sounds are not from a flying squirrel, they likely originate from other well-known nocturnal creatures. Insects are a primary source, with crickets and katydids being common culprits. Male crickets produce their characteristic chirping by rubbing specialized wing structures together, a process called stridulation, as a mating call. Katydids also use stridulation to create loud, rhythmic chirps or clicks that can travel considerable distances.
Frogs and toads are another significant contributor to the nocturnal chorus, especially in areas near water bodies. Many species, including eastern American toads and gray treefrogs, emit distinct chirping or high-pitched calls, particularly during breeding seasons. Their calls often have a unique rhythm and intensity, and their proximity to wetlands can help identify them as the source.
Certain bird species are also active vocalizers after dark. Nightjars, such as the Eastern Whip-poor-will and Common Poorwill, are known for their repetitive and distinctive calls that can sound like chirps or whistles. While not typically chirps, owls may produce hoots, barks, or screeches, and some mockingbirds can vocalize at night, especially when seeking mates. Bats also emit high-pitched chirps for echolocation, though these sounds are often beyond the range of human hearing.