Dholes are known as “whistling dogs” because of their vocal nature and bird-like whistling calls.
Dholes are known as “whistling dogs,” among other names, because of their vocal nature and bird-like whistling calls.
Dholes can be quite vocal, calling to keep in touch over short or long distances, which is handy when they are cooperatively hunting. When hunting, they emit a series of yelps in a very high pitch, resembling the whistling cry of a bird rather than a dog.
They also communicate in the form of whistles, barks, growls, alarm calls, howls, screeches, and chatter.
Sources: (Anderson, 1955; Carmignani; Hance, 2015)
Image: Pistol Peet
