Home / Science / Horses Whistle: Scientists Uncover Neigh's Secret
Horses Whistle: Scientists Uncover Neigh's Secret
23 Feb
Summary
- Horses produce their unique neighs through a combination of vocal cord vibration and whistling.
- This whistling mechanism, previously unknown in large mammals, originates in the horse's voice box.
- The two-toned neighs may help horses convey complex emotions and multiple messages simultaneously.
For the first time, scientists have identified the source of the horse's unique neigh, a sound blending high and low pitches. While the low-pitched component results from vocal cord vibrations, similar to human speech, the high-pitched element has long puzzled researchers.
New research reveals that horses produce this high tone by whistling. A small opening created by a contracting area above the vibrating vocal tissues allows air to whistle through the voice box. This method is distinct from human whistling, which occurs via the mouth.
Horses are now the first known large mammals to employ this vocal box whistling, differing from smaller rodents that also whistle. This dual mechanism allows them to convey multiple messages and a broader spectrum of emotions simultaneously during social interactions.
