Welcome to our interactive sound library featuring authentic dolphin vocalizations recorded during our research. Each sound includes detailed analysis, spectrograms, and explanations of its meaning and context.

Luna's Signature Whistle

Signature Whistle
0:03

This is Luna's unique signature whistle - essentially her "name" that she uses to identify herself and that other dolphins use to call her.

Hunting Click Train

Echolocation
0:05

Rapid echolocation clicks used during hunting. Notice how the click rate increases as the dolphin closes in on prey - this is called a "terminal buzz."

Pod Coordination Call

Social Call
0:04

Complex whistle pattern used to coordinate pod movement. Multiple dolphins often produce this call simultaneously during group travel.

Excitement Burst Pulses

Emotional Expression
0:02

Rapid burst pulse sounds associated with excitement or high arousal states. Often heard during play or when encountering something novel.

Mother-Calf Exchange

Social Call
0:06

Intimate whistle exchange between mother and calf. Note the calf's imperfect mimicry as it learns vocalization patterns.

Multi-Dolphin Conversation

Complex Communication
0:08

Complex vocal exchange between three dolphins, showing turn-taking behavior and signature whistle copying - possibly "addressing" each other by name.

Understanding Dolphin Sounds

Types of Vocalizations

  • Whistles: Tonal sounds used for communication, including signature whistles
  • Clicks: Broadband pulses used for echolocation and possibly communication
  • Burst Pulses: Rapid click trains often associated with emotional states

Listening Tips

  • Use headphones for best experience
  • Many dolphin sounds are ultrasonic - we've shifted frequencies down for human hearing
  • Pay attention to patterns and repetitions
  • Context is crucial for understanding meaning

Research & Education

These recordings are available for educational and research purposes.

Contribute to Our Sound Library

Researchers and citizen scientists: help us expand our acoustic database by contributing recordings.

Submit Recordings