Hippopotamus are huge and giant animals that make a variety of sounds. Their body language and sound are the mode of communication they have. Most of their communications take place under the water, and that sound travels deep in the river. People are very interested in knowing what sound a Hippo make. Hippos are widely famous for their huge size and various types of sounds. They generally make grunting, roaring and gulping sounds. Let’s find out what sound does a Hippo make.
What Sound Does a Hippo Make?
The general Hippopotamus sound is called Honk or Growl. Hippopotamus usually make Growling sounds. They usually honk while they are communicating under the water. These sounds produced by hippopotamus can go up to 2km. The majority of their communication takes place under the water. According to research it is found that hippos can produce a sound from low rumbles to high pitch. All these sounds have intentions like inducing the partners, making them aware of the danger and discouraging the enemies.
A hippopotamus uses its nostrils to make sounds above the surface of water and jawbones to make sounds under the water. This is one of the most unique characteristics of these mammals that set them different from others. The most fascinating fact is that hippos can make 115 noises. These sounds are generally made when they are in aggressive mode or there is an increase in their testosterone levels.
Hippos also make grunting and yelling sounds. Such sounds are generally made by the dominant hippos who want to suppress their community. Some hippos also make infrasounds that are of extremely low frequencies.
The male hippos will mostly produce yelling and grunting sounds. It is found that whenever a male hippo honks, it means that he is the leader of the group, and other hippos listen to their leader about several threats. They also make the laughter sound. These creatures can be risky for you other than their dizzy appearance, which might fool people.
How Does a Hippo Make Sound?
When a hippopotamus makes sounds under the water, its sound travels through the nostrils. When hippo makes sounds above the water, they do it through their jawbones. It may be heard in a basic way above the water, but the hippos under the water hear it through the vibrations. These vibrations of the sound travel through the body of the hippopotamus. They have a layer of fatty tissue under their neck that helps them to produce sound vibrations when they are under the water.
Why do hippos make sound?
Hippos are so extrovert animals who like interacting with other hippos. Let’s know about certain reasons why hippos make sound.
Their lips are widely opened, which produces sounds similar to yawning, but these sounds are signals of danger.
If there is any danger to their community, so the male hippo starts honking in order to alert other hippos about the danger. However, it is the weirdest form of communication among them.
Male hippos also produce these honking sounds after they have coupled with the female hippos. Through this honking sound they are announcing that they have mated. Are you still wondering what sound does a Hippo make? Let’s read in depth.
Let’s Discuss about some of the Vocalizations of the Hippos:
1- Grunts– Grunts are the sharp sounds that are generally used by the hippos to continue contact with their community, even over long distances.
2- Roars– Hippos generally produce these sounds when they have to show dominance, protect their community or warn other people about threats.
3- Bellows– These are the low-pitched sounds that travel far and reach other hippos, strengthening their social bonds and presence.
Here are Some of the Fun Facts about Hippo Sounds:
1- From their gesture, you might feel like they are in a jolly mood, having fun and honking, but they might become unfriendly that time.
2- Hippo sounds have high and low frequencies, which differs from time to time in the day.
3- The female hippos produce the sounds through air and water at the same time.
What is the Purpose of Underwater Communication?
There are three unique sounds hippos make while they are submerged:
1- One of the distinct sounds that hippos make is click.
2- Next is a tonal whine that indicates the suppressed behaviour.
3- Another sound is a pulsed croak, which is usually produced by the young hippos when they interact with each other.
What are the Sounds Produced by Hippo while Mating?
It is also one of the situations where physical communication plays a vital role. The male may produce sounds like wheezing and honking. Female hippos are seduced more easily by the mating display. It is such a strange mating display. Males are likely to approach the females closely. After that, fluttering his tail to spread and extend the waste all over, he will urinate and excrete at a similar time. The female hippo might also flutter her waste if she finds it exciting.
Conclusion
Hippos make multiple sounds depending on their needs or mood. They produce these sounds with some intentions. These sounds are an integral part of their lives as it is the medium of communication for them. We hope you enjoyed reading our article and understood what sound does a hippo make. If you want to read more about such interesting topics, read our other article too. Do let us know in the comments if you have any queries or suggestions regarding the sound of the hippo.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1- What sound do the hippos generally make?
Ans: Hippos usually make the sounds of grunting, groaning, and roaring.
Q2- Why Do Hippos Make Sound?
Ans: Hippos generally make sounds to interact and have conversations with other hippos.
Q3- Can Hippos make sound under the water?
Ans: Yes, Hippos can make sound under the water.
Q4- Are hippos one of the loudest animals?
Ans: Yes, hippos are one of the loudest animals.