Coyotes, often heard across North American landscapes, frequently vocalize with a distinctive howl. While howling is their most recognized vocalization, coyotes use a complex array of vocalizations for various communication purposes. These diverse sounds serve as a primary means of interaction within their social structures.
Beyond the Howl: Other Coyote Sounds
Coyotes produce a wide range of vocalizations beyond their characteristic howl, each serving a specific communicative function. They emit raspy sounds, including growls, snarls, and hisses, which indicate anger or serve as warnings. Whines and squeals, conversely, are higher-pitched and smoother, often conveying friendliness or contentment.
Coyotes also make huffs, which are sharp expulsions of air through the nose and mouth, used as high-intensity threats or during disputes over food. Barks are another common coyote sound, functioning as either a low to medium intensity threat or an alert for long distances. A single, sharp bark might signal a mild alert, while rapid, aggressive barking can indicate territorial defense.
The “bark-howl” is a combination where a bark transitions into a howl, used as a serious, long-distance threat or alarm. Coyotes can also produce yips, which are short, high-pitched barks often repeated rapidly, frequently heard during playful interactions or as an alert.
The Language of Coyotes: Why They Vocalize
Coyote vocalizations form a sophisticated communication system, serving various social and survival functions. Howling is primarily used for long-distance communication, helping coyotes locate pack members and establish territorial boundaries.
A group yip-howl involving multiple coyotes promotes bonding within the family unit and acts as a territorial display, creating an auditory fence around their area. This makes a small number of coyotes sound like a much larger group, an acoustic illusion known as the “beau geste” effect.
Vocalizations also convey warnings and emotional states. Growls and snarls convey direct threats at close range, while barks alert distant pack members to danger.
Coyotes may emit a distressed howl, sometimes starting with a bark, when in pain or threatened. Whines are often used to express submission, especially from subordinate coyotes to dominant ones, or as greetings among family members.
Coyotes use vocalizations to coordinate activities like hunting and reinforce social bonds. Howls signal excitement or distress, with nuances in pitch, rhythm, and frequency indicating various intentions. Individual coyotes have unique howl patterns, similar to human voices, allowing identification.
Telling Them Apart: Coyote vs. Wolf Sounds
Distinguishing coyote and wolf sounds can be challenging, but key differences exist. Coyote howls are generally higher-pitched and often include a series of yips, yaps, and barks. Their howls tend to be shorter in duration and can sound more like a “crazed yapping” or a “song-like vocal” with varying pitch and sequence.
Wolf howls, in contrast, are typically deeper, more drawn out, and maintain a smoother, consistent pitch. While wolves also use barks, growls, and whines, their hallmark is often synchronized, harmonic group howling. This serves for long-distance communication and reinforces pack cohesion.
Wolf pups may have higher-pitched, undulating howls and can bark. Coyotes are more likely to interject barks at the beginning of their howls.