Three Forms of Animal Communication

Although humans tend to favor vocal communication, non-verbal communication, such as gestures and sign language, is frequently seen between two people. Like humans, animals also need to communicate to keep their societies running smoothly. From danger alerts to mating calls, sounds and non-verbal signals are the components of animal communication.

  1. Bats

    • Bats sing in utrasonic frequencies in decibels just above what the human ear can detect.

      According to Texas A&M News and Information Services, bats are the most vocal animals next to humans. They sing complex songs that human ears are unable to hear. For instance, Mexican Freetail bats sing in ultrasonic frequencies, which are positioned right above the upper limit of sound that humans can hear, according to Texas A&M. Bats use an estimated 15 to 20 syllables in their calls, which determine distance and direction. Texas A&M notes that each male has his own courtship song.

    Electric Fish

    • Electric fish, including species of catfish and species of ray, communicate using electrocommunication, according to Davidson College in Davidson, N.C. The electricity, produced by the electric organ, is broadcasted through the water and received by surrounding fish. The electrocommunication can relay messages of reproductive intent, aggression level, fish species and gender, and social status, according to Davidson College.

      The electric organ discharge (EOD), or the electric signal, can appear in many forms, according to Davidson College. Fish can produce short or long waves, gradually fading signals, currents that peak at the end of the discharge or consistent signals. Although EODs can remain consistent, they can vary in frequency, amplitude and duration, according to Davidson College.

    Cats

    • When cats rub against other cats or their human owners, they are marking territory using sweat glands.

      The Association of Animal Behavior Professionals (AABP) states that aside from the typical purrs, meows, hisses, and tail positions that cats use to communicate with humans, they also use olfactory communication to speak to other cats and animals. Cats have sweat glands on their noses, paws, foreheads, chins, lips and whisker areas, according to the AABP, which allow them to leave a scent, undetectable by humans, long after the animal has left the room. Cats use the olfactory communication to mark territory, including their humans, furniture and toys by rubbing against them. Head butting against another cat is commonly used to show dominance and leaves the cat's scent on the subordinate cat, according to the AABP.

      Also according to the AAPB, "spraying," or urinating outside the litter box on furniture or in corners of the house, is a common way cats communicate that this is their territory. Spray is normally thicker and oilier than regular urine, to make a stronger statement, claims the AAPB.