Walruses are large marine mammals recognized by their prominent tusks and whiskers, inhabiting the Arctic Ocean and subarctic seas of the Northern Hemisphere. Adult males in the Pacific can weigh over 2,000 kilograms (4,400 pounds). These animals spend a significant portion of their lives in shallow waters, often resting on sea ice. Walruses are social animals producing a variety of sounds.
Walrus Vocalizations
Walruses are among the most vocal pinnipeds, producing a wide array of sounds both in the air and underwater. Their vocal repertoire includes growls, barks, grunts, rasps, clicks, taps, and knocks. Male walruses also produce distinctive bell-like sounds underwater, which are not created by vocal cords but originate from inflatable air sacs, called pharyngeal pouches, located near their throat. These pouches can hold a significant volume of air, allowing them to float vertically and produce these sounds.
Walruses create sounds through various mechanisms. Knocks, for example, are produced by visible movements of the forehead and can be emitted in rhythmic sequences. They can also produce intense, rhythmic impulse sounds by forcefully clapping their fore flippers together underwater. This clapping generates sound through a process called cavitation, where collapsing bubbles create a loud acoustic impulse. Walrus calls generally range in frequency from 100 Hz to 10 kHz.
Do Walruses Whistle?
Walruses do produce whistling sounds. These soft whistles are part of their diverse vocalizations and can be heard both above and below the water’s surface. Videos from zoos and aquariums demonstrate walruses making distinct whistling noises.
The ability to produce whistles is attributed to their specialized anatomy, including large vocal cords and highly mobile lips and mouth cavity. Their pharyngeal pouches also play a role in their sound production capabilities. These characteristics allow walruses to produce a variety of tones, pitches, and durations in their whistles.
Purpose of Walrus Sounds
Walruses use their vocalizations for a range of social contexts and purposes. Sounds facilitate communication between mothers and calves, allowing them to recognize each other by voice and maintain strong bonds, which is important for calves to reunite with their mothers.
Vocalizations also play a significant role in courtship and mating displays. Male walruses use bell-like sounds and other vocalizations to attract females and establish dominance during the breeding season. These sounds can convey physical fitness to potential mates and rivals. Walruses also use sounds for territorial displays and to warn others about potential danger or predators.