What sound does a mouse make? - briefly
A mouse usually emits a high‑pitched squeak, occasionally mixed with faint rustling noises. These sounds function as communication and alert signals.
What sound does a mouse make? - in detail
Mice produce a range of audible and ultrasonic vocalizations that serve specific functions.
The most common audible call is a high‑pitched squeak, typically between 4 and 8 kHz. This sound occurs during distress, when a mouse is captured, or when it encounters a predator. The intensity can increase rapidly, signaling acute fear or pain.
In addition to audible squeaks, mice emit ultrasonic tones that are invisible to human ears. These frequencies range from 20 to 100 kHz and are classified into several types:
- Ultrasonic chirps (30–50 kHz): emitted during social interaction, such as male courtship or female receptivity.
- Ultrasonic trills (50–70 kHz): associated with aggressive encounters or territorial disputes.
- Ultrasonic whistles (70–100 kHz): produced by pups when separated from the mother, prompting retrieval behavior.
The acoustic structure of each call differs in duration, frequency modulation, and harmonic content, allowing conspecifics to decode the sender’s emotional state and intent. Laboratory recordings show that adult males increase chirp rate when presented with female urine, while isolated juveniles emit repetitive whistles until reunited with the dam.
Environmental factors influence vocal output. Ambient temperature affects sound speed, shifting peak frequencies slightly upward in warmer conditions. Background noise can suppress low‑frequency squeaks, prompting mice to rely more on ultrasonic communication.
Neurophysiological studies indicate that the periaqueductal gray and the amygdala modulate the production of distress calls, whereas the hypothalamus regulates courtship chirps. Pharmacological blockade of dopamine receptors reduces the frequency of male courtship vocalizations, demonstrating neurotransmitter involvement.
Overall, mouse vocal behavior comprises a complex repertoire of both audible and ultrasonic sounds, each linked to distinct physiological and social contexts.