Besides distinguishing between aerial and terrestrial predators, the alarm call can be said to carry information regarding the type of terrestrial predator encountered as well. In terms of terrestrial predators, the chatters observed in California ground squirrels are different when they encountered a snake versus when they encounter a mammalian predator. Here is an example of the “chat”, a single noise alarm. Chatters and chats, on the other hand, are high-intensity alarms. They know that terrestrial predators can hide more easily from the squirrel and adapt accordingly.Ĭonsidering their responses, it can also be said that whistles work as a low-intensity alarm. In the case of mammalian predators, the squirrels interpret them as a more lingering threat. This is because, in the case of aerial predators, these squirrels simply try and keep a low profile for a few moments until the predator leaves. Compared to this, when the squirrel spots a mammalian predator on its turf, it will be more cautious. When this squirrel detects an aerial predator, it will do a quick scan of the sky and then resume its activities. Large mammalian predators cause these squirrels to make a chattering sound (chatters and chats). If it is an aerial predator, then the squirrel will respond with a whistle.
The California ground squirrel uses 3 types of alarm calls when it detects a predator ( source). Sounds of the California Ground Squirrels On the whole, grey squirrels are less conspicuous when responding to an aerial threat as compared to a terrestrial one. This means they try and determine whether the threat is a real predator before moving away further. In the case of terrestrial stimuli, the response is running to a point that is halfway around the trunk so that they can see the object that triggered the alarm. If the alarm call is in response to aerial stimuli, the squirrel will run to the opposite side of the tree trunk, away from the stimulus. The escape response of these squirrels depends on the type of threat. They can also choose to combine the tail flicks with a vocal alarm call. They can choose to give a single alarm call through tail flicks or send vocal signals. Grey squirrels can also employ different combinations of alarm calls and signals. Kuks and Quaas, on the other hand, do not carry information regarding the type of threat and seem to be general alarm calls. On encountering a terrestrial threat, they respond with a tail flick. In case of an aerial threat (like from a hawk, eagle or owl), the squirrels elicit a moan. It has also been noted that Eastern gray squirrels communicate throug h tail flicks. See if you can spot the differences between the barks, screams and chirps! Here is a great video that let’s you hear the three primary alarm calls of Gray Squirrels. The Buzz, sometimes called a muk-muk by researchers, is used by baby squirrels asking for food and male squirrels looking for a mate. Because the squirrel is not positive of the predator’s location it uses this quieter call so it does not give the predator any clues.īuzzes are low amplitude sounds that are inaudible unless you are standing a few meters away from the squirrel. The Moan is used when the squirrel believes the predator has left but isn’t really sure. Moans are quiet calls that sound like a chirp. The quaa is used when the immediate danger from a predator is passed but it is still in the area. The Quaa has a similar frequency as a Kuk alarm but is slightly longer. Quaas are the screaming sound from squirrels. The sharp kuk is used to alert other squirrels of immanent danger and to let the predator know that they have lost the element of surprise. A squirrel will “kuk” multiple times in a row and is used when the squirrels sees an immediate threat. Kuks are sharp alarm barks and are the most common squirrel noises that you will hear. Kuks, Quaas, and Moans have been identified as predator-specific calls. This tree squirrel primarily uses four types of alarm calls. There are several studies on the Eastern Gray squirrel and the communication behavior it exhibits. Let’s start by checking out the noises from the most common species, the Eastern Gray Squirrel, and then we will move on to other species! Eastern Gray Squirrel Sounds Squirrels send them in response to a threat and they are essential mechanisms in helping them live many years in the wild. Most of the noises that squirrels make are considered to be a variety of alarm signals. 3 Squirrel Sounds in a Nut Shell Most Squirrel Sounds Are Alarm Calls
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