Scientists finally solve the mystery of the horse whinny
Science Daily
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Scientists have uncovered a fascinating secret behind horse communication: when horses whinny, they produce two distinct sounds simultaneously—a deep tone from vocal fold vibrations and a high-pitched whistle generated within their larynx. This unique ability, known as biphonation, allows horses to convey multiple emotional signals in a single call. The study, published in *Current Biology*, reveals that the low-frequency component of the whinny is produced by vibrating vocal folds, much like human singing, while the high-pitched element arises from a laryngeal whistle—a phenomenon previously unobserved in large mammals.
The research team conducted extensive analyses to understand this rare vocal mechanism. By examining horse vocal anatomy, reviewing clinical data, and performing acoustic studies, they discovered that the high-frequency sound is created by turbulent airflow within the larynx. This process is similar to human whistling but on a larger scale. To confirm their findings, the scientists used an innovative approach: blowing helium through excised horse larynges. Helium increases sound speed, causing the high-pitched component to shift higher while leaving the low-frequency tone unchanged. This experiment conclusively demonstrated that the two sounds are produced independently.
The ability to generate biphonation likely evolved as a way for horses to communicate more effectively. By combining multiple signals in one vocalization, horses can convey complex emotions and messages. This discovery not only advances our understanding of horse behavior but also sheds light on the evolution of vocal communication in mammals. Horses are the first large species identified to produce laryngeal whistles alongside vocal fold vibrations, making this finding a significant breakthrough in animal communication studies.
This research highlights the intricate complexity of animal vocalizations and their potential for conveying nuanced information. For readers interested in science, particularly those exploring animal behavior or evolutionary biology, this study offers fresh insights into how horses communicate and interact with their environment. Understanding these mechanisms could also have practical applications, such as improving horse welfare or enhancing human-horse interactions in various fields like agriculture, sports, or conservation.
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Originally published on Science Daily on 2/25/2026