Killer Whale & Sounds

Killer whales use sounds for many purposes. A killer whale makes sounds themselves for echolocation. Killer whales also use sounds in the environment for navigation. Sounds around them help them identify where things are along their paths. Distinctive acoustic sounds allow a killer whale to safely move in the ocean.

What sounds does a killer whale produce?

Killer whales produce many sounds such as:

• percussive sounds (killer whales make these sounds by slapping a part of their body against the water)
• high frequency tonal whistles
• broadband clicks
• pulsed calls

Are sounds that killer whales make a form of language?

Sounds that a killer whale makes do not constitute a language of a killer whale but they do convey many messages. Sounds of a killer whale can tell other killer whales that it is in trouble, in distress, or that there is food in the area. Different sounds of a killer whale convey different messages entirely.

Whistles and click sounds that a killer whale makes

Killer whales make whistle and click sounds. These sounds are thought to be produced by shunting air back and forth in their head through a muscular valve. These sounds are used for echolocation by killer whales.

• Killer Whales Communications
• Killer Whales Senses
  • Echolocation