These alarm calls signal that a predator is in the vicinity. Chipmunk Responses to Territorial CallsĪnother study examined the foraging behavior of Eastern chipmunks in response to alarm calls emitted by their conspecifics or relatives ( source). This is usually when they are hiding from a predator. However, other squirrels, such as yellow-bellied marmots, hoary marmots, Olympic marmots, and Vancouver Island marmots, emit a trill sound when they disappear into a burrow (or den) to hide ( source). This sound is also distinctive from the ones emitted by most ground squirrels. When chipmunks hear the trill sound, they become alert. Baby chipmunks have also been observed to emit this sound when running away from adult conspecifics. They are emitted by a fleeing chipmunk and can be in response to mammalian, as well as, aerial predators (like hawks). Trill sounds are harder to hear since they are not repeated as much as other chipmunk sounds.Ĭurious about predators? Read this: What Animals Eat Chipmunks? Natural Predators Īs mentioned earlier, the context of a trill is also very different from a chip or chuck. The time interval between the individual notes will vary as well. These notes differ in terms of frequency and length. The individual notes in trills are not identical as well (another major difference from chips and chucks). Trills can be best described as a multi-note call that has a low amplitude. Chips and chucks are mostly used when the chipmunk detects a predator. Chipmunks generally emit these sounds at the end of a chase. These are shorter in duration and are emitted when the chipmunk is being pursued by a predator. The trill sound is distinctive from chips and chucks. The rate at which these notes are delivered is twice as fast as well. However, the chucking sounds emitted by Western chipmunks are nearly 3 times longer. The frequency range is similar to the ones adopted by Eastern chipmunks. As per a study, both chipping and chucking sounds can last for at least 30 minutes ( source).Ĭhucking sounds are produced by Western chipmunks as well. The chipmunk is usually present on an elevated surface when producing this sound. These sounds are emitted in the presence of an aerial predator. The notes used to produce the chucking sound are lower in frequency than the ones used to produce chipping sounds. This sound is similar to the sound produced when an axe hits wood or when the hooves of a horse strike a wooden surface (such as a wooden bridge). These are similar to the sounds emitted by Eastern chipmunks but tend to have more high notes than low.Ĭhucking sounds are similar to chipping. Western chipmunks emit chipping sounds too. However, other studies suggest that chipmunks emit this alarm call in the presence of an aerial predator as well ( source). As per the study, these sounds were emitted in the presence of a mammalian predator.
Chipping sounds are emitted at a frequency of 2.8 to 9.6 kHz. These can be a few seconds long but can also last up to many minutes.
#Chipmunk basic sound example series
These include: ChippingĬhipmunks emit chipping sound that consists of a series of notes repeated over and over. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at what the scientific community has to say about chipmunk sounds and what they mean!Įastern chipmunks emit three types of chipmunk alarm calls in the presence of predators. Several studies have been conducted over the years that aimed at deciphering the language of these furry animals. Chipmunks can make quite a variety of sounds as well. However, they will emit an alarm call when they spot a predator nearby. Have you ever heard a chipmunk? Even if you haven’t, then a quick search through Google will tell you how chipmunks are quiet animals.
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