VOCAL COMMUNICATION


roar: This call is given by silver-back and large black-back males (Estes, 1991). This call is low in pitch and is an outburst of sound through the open mouth (Estes, 1991). This call is given when the individual is under stress or threat, and the individual may give false charges and short lunges (Estes, 1991). The group hides behind the silver-back when hearing this (Estes, 1991).

wraagh: This call is also an outburst, but not deep as the roar, and is monosyllabic in nature (Estes, 1991). This call is mostly emitted by the silver-back male (Estes, 1991). This is emitted when the individual is experiencing sudden stress, and group members scatter when hearing this call (Estes, 1991).

hoot series: This call is low-pitched and consists of a series of "hoo-hoo-hoos" (Estes, 1991). This call is emitted by the silver-back male (Estes, 1991). This call is given in response to seeing members from another group, and it is used to maintain group spacing (Estes, 1991). This is given before chest-beating (Estes, 1991).

scream: This call is loud and is a shrill sound repeated many times (Estes, 1991). This call is emitted by all gorillas, and is given when the individual is upset or fighting with other gorillas (Estes, 1991).

question bark: This call consists of a short series of three notes, the first and third being lower in pitch than the second (Estes, 1991). Mostly this is given by the silver-back male, and he emits this when he discovers someone that was concealed or another individual that is making noise but can not be seen (Estes, 1991).

cry: This is given by infants, and is a response to extreme distress (Estes, 1991). This is a wail-like call that can build up to a shriek (Estes, 1991).

chuckle: This is a rasping sounding call, and is given by infants during play (Estes, 1991).

belch vocalizations: This call is given by all gorillas, generally when they are stationary, and generally communicates contentment (Estes, 1991). These noises consist of purring, humming, rumbling, crooning, moaning, and soft-grunting noises (Estes, 1991).

pig grunts: This call consists of a series of short guttural noises (Estes, 1991). This call is given by adult males and females, and communicates mild aggression (Estes, 1991). This call is emitted when the adult wants access to preferred foods or right of way (Estes, 1991).

whine: This call is given by infants and adult males when they are being left behind (Estes, 1991).

copulatory panting: This is a series of "o-o-o-o" sounds that are loud and low-pitched (Estes, 1991). This is given by the males during copulation (Estes, 1991).

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