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Sounds of the Weddell Seal
Since exploration began in Antarctica, explorers and scientists have been in awe of the sounds of the Weddell seal. In 1820, James Weddell (who the Weddell seal is named after) said that he heard a ‘mermaid…making a musical noise.’
That ‘mermaid’ was none other than a Weddell seal!
You’d think a picture of a Weddell seal making sounds would include a photo of a seal with its mouth open.
Like this...
Seal pup making some noise. Photo credit: Alex Eilers, MMPA permit #17411.
But most of the unique sounds I’ve heard have come from seals looking like this...
I wonder what the seals could be trying to communicate in their sleep. Photo credit: Alex Eilers, MMPA permit #17411.
Sleeping!?!
Of all the seal species, Weddell seals are the most vocal. Scientists have identified and named 34 different types of Weddell seal sounds. We hear them talking quite a bit. Sometimes they are so loud that you can hear them under the ice!
But what are they saying?
Most Weddell seal calls are used during social activities, like breeding. During breeding season, you can hear up to 20 calls per minute! Male Weddell seals are much more vocal than the females. Some calls are used to attract a female; others are to threaten another male. After the breeding season, they are much quieter.
What does a Weddell seal sound like?
Weddell seals make the weirdest, often eeriest sounds.
They sound like something you would hear in a science fiction movie – not something coming from this animal!
Take a listen!
Sound names
Scientists have come up with different names for these sounds, and the names are as outrageous as the sounds!
Here are a few examples:
- Chi-chi-chi
- Teeth clatter
- Mew
- Guttural glug
- Jaw claps
- Too-loo
- What-chunk
Now you try it!
Listen to these sounds and try to match the sound with the name. Send your answers to ‘Ask the Team.’
Seal sounds 1-5 credit: Weddell Seal Science
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