Despite a common belief that turtles are silent, these reptiles produce a variety of sounds. While they may not be as outwardly vocal as some animals, turtles communicate using a range of noises for different purposes. Recent scientific studies have challenged the assumption of their muteness, revealing a surprisingly diverse acoustic world.
The Sounds Turtles Make
Turtles produce a variety of distinct sounds. Hissing is a common noise when a turtle feels threatened or startled. This sound results from the rapid expulsion of air from their lungs as they pull their head and limbs into their shell.
Beyond hisses, turtles also make grunting sounds, which can vary in intensity and duration. Some species produce chirps and squeaks, particularly younger turtles or those experiencing stress. Aquatic and semi-aquatic turtles may generate clicks, gurgles, and low-frequency calls underwater. Certain tortoises produce croaking sounds, and some studies suggest purr-like noises in specific species.
Why Turtles Vocalize
Turtle vocalizations serve various behavioral contexts. During mating rituals, male turtles often become vocal, emitting grunts, moans, and clucking sounds to attract females. Some male tortoises may hit their shells on logs, creating knocking sounds as part of courtship.
Sounds also function as a defense mechanism or a sign of distress. Hissing can act as a warning to potential predators. When threatened or injured, some aquatic turtles, like pig-nosed turtles, emit high-pitched distress calls. Physiological processes like breathing can also produce sounds, such as soft wheezing or heavy breathing when a turtle is stressed or overheating.
Communication among individuals, particularly in aquatic environments, is another reason for vocalization. Sea turtle hatchlings can chirp and click from within their eggs to synchronize their hatching. Adult sea turtles also produce low-frequency calls, suggesting communication within their species.
Hearing Turtle Sounds
Many turtle sounds are subtle, low in volume, or fall outside the typical human hearing range, contributing to the misconception that turtles are silent. Humans generally hear frequencies between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz, while turtles primarily hear low-frequency sounds, typically between 50 Hz and 1000 Hz.
To observe these sounds, a quiet environment is often necessary. Close proximity to the turtle can help, especially during mating season when vocalizations may be louder. Specialized acoustic equipment, such as hydrophones for underwater sounds, is often needed to detect the full range of turtle vocalizations, particularly low-frequency calls inaudible to human ears.