What Animal Makes a High-Pitched Sound?

High-pitched sounds are not only associated with elevation but also with smaller animals, which tend to produce higher-pitched noises compared to larger animals. More specifically, smaller animals such as mice and birds emit higher-pitched sounds, whereas bears and other large animals tend to vocalize at a lower pitch.

The Role of Insects

Among the insects, the cicada is a prime example of a creature that produces a high-pitched sound. There are different varieties of cicadas, each with its unique vocal features. Some cicadas make a "buzz" sound, while others have a higher-pitched chirp. For instance, in my hometown, we often observed smaller, straw-colored cicadas that chirped in open grassy areas during the summer. These are in contrast to the larger African cicadas that can be very loud and produce a very low buzz. The former are about 1/2 inch long and typically found in dry, open grasslands.

The Cricket’s Chirp

The chirp of a cricket is indeed known for its high pitch. These insects are well-known for their ability to produce sound by rubbing their wings together, a behavior known as stridulation. This high-pitched chirp is a significant part of the cricket’s mating and communication rituals. Interestingly, crickets can even be used in various educational tools and studies due to their distinctive and consistent sounds.

The Cicada’s Droning Buzz

The cicada is the number one insect for producing a loud, high-pitched noise. During summers, cicadas in places like Georgia were particularly noticeable, especially when fishing on a lake. Their sound would reverberate across the water and echo off trees, creating a hauntingly atmospheric sound. This drone is described as a buzz-saw-like buzz that starts lower and rises slightly. The cicada’s song is so powerful that it also has ecological significance, repelling birds by making it difficult for them to communicate or hunt in groups.

The Mechanism Behind Cicada’s Singing

Cicadas gauge soil temperature to emerge in synchronization, ensuring the best possible conditions for mating. This behavior also helps in maintaining the loudness and variance of their songs. Both males and females have tympana, which are large mirror-like structures functioning as ears. These are connected by a tendon that retracts during singing to protect the tympana from the sound. Males also call in groups to increase the volume of noise and reduce predation.

Conclusion

From the high-pitched chirps of crickets to the droning buzz of cicadas, the world of animals is rich with varied sounds. These sounds not only serve ecological purposes but also offer fascinating insights into the mechanisms of animal communication. Understanding these sounds can help in appreciating the natural world even more.