How horses whinny: Helium tests reveal whistling while singing mechanism
Phys.org
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A recent study published in *Current Biology* reveals that horses produce their distinctive whinnies through a unique combination of vocal mechanisms. Unlike other mammals, horses can simultaneously emit high-frequency sounds and lower tones, allowing them to convey multiple messages at once. Researchers discovered that horses achieve this by whistling through their larynx while vibrating their vocal folds—a process similar to how humans sing. This dual mechanism enables horses to produce the recognizable mix of high-pitched and deep tones that make up a whinny, despite their large size.
The study utilized helium tests to analyze the airflow and sound production in horses' throats. By breathing helium, which alters the speed of sound waves, the researchers were able to observe how horses manipulate their larynx and vocal folds to create both high-pitched "whistles" and deeper, resonant tones. This finding challenges previous assumptions about horse vocalizations, which were thought to rely solely on vocal fold vibrations. Instead, horses employ a more complex system that combines whistling with traditional vocalization methods.
Understanding how horses produce such unique sounds not only deepens our knowledge of animal communication but also opens new avenues for studying voice production across species. This research highlights the evolutionary adaptability of vocal mechanisms and sheds light on how animals have developed sophisticated ways to communicate efficiently. For science enthusiasts, this study underscores the intricate relationship between anatomy and behavior, offering insights into the diverse methods animals use to interact with their environment and each other.
Verticals
sciencephysics
Originally published on Phys.org on 2/23/2026