What is the sound of a mouse called? - briefly
A mouse typically produces a high‑pitched squeak. The noise is referred to simply as a “squeak.”
What is the sound of a mouse called? - in detail
Mice produce a high‑pitched vocalization commonly referred to as a squeak. The sound originates from rapid vibration of the laryngeal membranes, which are thin and capable of oscillating at frequencies between 8 kHz and 20 kHz. This range often exceeds the upper limit of human hearing, so many squeaks are partially inaudible to people.
The acoustic profile of a mouse squeal includes:
- Fundamental frequency around 10 kHz, with harmonics extending upward.
- Duration of individual pulses typically 30–100 ms.
- Amplitude that can increase sharply during distress or aggression.
Different mouse species and even individual animals exhibit variation. Laboratory strains such as Mus musculus domesticus tend to emit shorter, sharper squeaks, whereas wild relatives may produce longer, lower‑frequency calls. Context influences the pattern: ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) are emitted during courtship, while audible squeaks accompany pain, fear, or territorial disputes.
Humans often describe the noise with the onomatopoeic term “squeak,” though scientific literature also uses “chirp” for ultrasonic emissions and “cry” for prolonged distress calls. Recordings captured with specialized microphones reveal that mice can modulate pitch and rhythm to convey specific emotional states, a capability that underlies many behavioral studies.