What is the sound made by mice called? - briefly
Mice emit a high‑pitched squeak, commonly called a “squeak.” In some contexts the same sound is also described as a “chirp.”
What is the sound made by mice called? - in detail
Mice communicate primarily through high‑frequency vocalizations known as squeaks. These sounds fall into two categories: audible squeaks (approximately 2–20 kHz) and ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) that exceed the human hearing threshold, typically ranging from 30 kHz to 100 kHz.
Audible squeaks are produced during acute stress, aggressive encounters, or when a mouse is handled. The acoustic structure consists of short pulses with rapid rise times, enabling quick transmission of alarm signals within a colony.
Ultrasonic calls serve more nuanced functions. Pup mice emit USVs around 40–70 kHz to solicit maternal care; the frequency and duration increase when the offspring are cold or hungry. Adult males generate complex, frequency‑modulated sequences during courtship, often peaking near 70 kHz, to attract females and establish dominance. Females may respond with reciprocal USVs, creating a vocal dialogue that coordinates mating behavior.
The production mechanism involves rapid oscillation of the vocal folds in the larynx, modulated by airflow and tension adjustments. Neural control originates in the periaqueductal gray and the vocal motor cortex, integrating emotional state and environmental cues.
Research commonly records mouse vocalizations with specialized microphones and analyzes them using spectrographic software. Parameters such as peak frequency, bandwidth, pulse interval, and duration provide quantitative markers for behavioral studies, genetic investigations, and pharmacological testing.
In summary, the characteristic sound of mice comprises audible squeaks for immediate distress and a repertoire of ultrasonic vocalizations for social interaction, each defined by distinct frequency ranges, physiological mechanisms, and functional contexts.