Echidnas recorded communicating for the first time

October 3, 2023 9:44 PM

Echidnas recorded communicating for the first time. Some of the most elusive sounds in nature — echidnas talking to each other — have been recorded for the first time. Researchers believe it is likely that they are the sounds of echidnas flirting, as the spiky creatures only seem to vocalise during breeding season. In what is believed to be a scientific first, researchers from Curtin University have obtained recordings of short-beaked echidnas producing a range of sounds including cooing, grunting, and wheezing.
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries (14 comments total)

Maybe the Echidnas were just wheezy from an infection in their cute snozzes?

(Thanks for the lovely article! Especially the snoring segment).
posted by BrStekker at 11:16 PM on October 3, 2023 [1 favorite]

Wow, unlike Sonic, they don't chuckle.
posted by one for the books at 11:36 PM on October 3, 2023 [1 favorite]

I've got a sick kitty with a nasal obstruction and when I started playing this audio I had a hard time telling them apart.
posted by brundlefly at 1:29 AM on October 4, 2023

The second recording was definitely a little cute sound-asleep echidna snore. In my completely non-expert opinion.
posted by eviemath at 4:12 AM on October 4, 2023

spikey snoot boi!
posted by lalochezia at 5:05 AM on October 4, 2023

The echidna could not be reached for comment by press time.
posted by AlSweigart at 7:38 AM on October 4, 2023

Bring the great pornographers that we are, I bet humanity’s next step will be to put some echidnas in dark cages and make them listen to the sounds of other echidnas getting it on, to “see if it helps”.
posted by pulposus at 8:05 AM on October 4, 2023

This is echidnas' business and we should stay out of it.
posted by praemunire at 8:15 AM on October 4, 2023

Maybe the Echidnas were just wheezy from an infection in their cute snozzes?

It's hard to tell if echidnas have a sinus infection because they blow snot bubbles to cool off.
posted by AzraelBrown at 8:39 AM on October 4, 2023 [4 favorites]

cooing, grunting, and wheezing

Smooth-talking devils...
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:38 AM on October 4, 2023 [1 favorite]

I love this, and you're all comped for the inaugural tour of my new band Grunting Echidnas, with Hedgehogs In 2D supporting. Come along for an evening of chill quillcore.
posted by BCMagee at 9:43 AM on October 4, 2023 [3 favorites]

I also wheeze to signal sexual interest. Never fails.
posted by Lawn Beaver at 11:05 AM on October 4, 2023 [2 favorites]

"Hey baby, Hey baby, Hey baby"
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 3:15 PM on October 4, 2023

Arf!
posted by Saxon Kane at 4:31 PM on October 4, 2023