What Sounds Do Geckos Make?

39ac46bde7107ce2abf46481f8543b40 1

From your patio on a balmy summer night, you hear a symphony of sounds. A cricket’s chirping provides the steady baseline, punctuated by the occasional hoot of an owl. Suddenly, there’s a curious sound cutting through the chorus that you just can’t place.

Is it a high-pitched bark or a chirp? A squeak or a croak? Just when you’re about to channel your inner Sherlock Holmes, let me stop you right there. It’s probably our scaly, wall-climbing buddies, the geckos!

Welcome, fellow wildlife detectives, to our little sleuth session on “What Sounds Do Geckos Make?” Now, if you’re imagining a gecko belting out a Broadway number or having a chat about the weather with a cricket, I hate to break it to you, but we’re not quite there (yet). However, these tiny dynamos of sound do have quite a few aural tricks tucked away in their reptilian repertoire.

Let’s embark on this lively auditory adventure, decode the Gecko Morse code, and unravel the mysteries of gecko gab. So grab your headphones, turn your curiosity dial up to eleven, and get ready to tune into the surprising and sometimes bizarre world of gecko sounds.

Understanding the World of Geckos

Geckos are a dazzling array of diversity and color in the world of reptiles. With over 1,500 known species inhabiting every corner of the globe except for Antarctica, there’s a gecko for every ecosystem. They range in size from the minuscule Jaragua Sphaero, barely reaching 0.63 inches in length, to the heftier New Caledonian giant gecko, stretching up to 17 inches. But, if you ask me, they’re all big on personality.

Typically, we picture geckos masterfully clinging to walls and ceilings, defying gravity with the finesse of a trapeze artist. This superpower comes from the thousands of tiny hair-like structures on the pads of their feet, proving that in the world of geckos, you’re never too small to scale great heights!

Most geckos have a nocturnal lifestyle, choosing to foray out in the darkness while spending their daylight hours concealed in the shadows. It’s a practical lifestyle when you’re a tasty morsel for many predators. Their diet mainly consists of insects and other small invertebrates, although some larger species have a taste for small birds and mammals.

And then there’s their uncanny ability to ‘drop’ their tails when threatened by predators, a handy trick that has saved many a gecko from becoming someone’s lunch. The lost tail eventually regrows, showing off their amazing regenerative abilities.

But one of the most fascinating and lesser-known aspects of these scaly creatures is their rich vocal repertoire. Unlike many reptiles, geckos are not silent observers of their surroundings; they communicate with their peers through a fascinating array of sounds. From chirps and squeaks to barks and clicks, they have an entire symphony at their disposal.

Gecko Vocalization: Why Do They Make Sounds?

Geckos use their vocalizations to communicate various messages for different reasons. Here’s a list of some of the main reasons why geckos make sounds:

  1. Territorial Declarations: Like many animals, geckos use vocalizations to establish and maintain territory. A gecko’s bark or chirp serves as a warning to other geckos to stay away, signaling, “This space is taken!”
  2. Mating Calls: Geckos aren’t shy when it comes to love. Male geckos often use calls to attract a female for mating. Depending on the species, this might sound like a series of chirps, clicks, or squeaks.
  3. Distress Signals: If a gecko feels threatened or scared, it may make a distinct noise to communicate its distress. This might happen when they’re confronted by a predator or when they feel cornered.
  4. Social Interactions: Some species of geckos are more social than others and may use sounds to communicate with members of their group. They may chirp or squeak to maintain social bonds or establish a pecking order.
  5. Defensive Mechanisms: Certain species of geckos produce startling loud noises as a defensive mechanism, with the aim of scaring off potential threats.
  6. Hunting Sounds: Some geckos make noise when they’re hunting. These aren’t necessarily communicative but are more related to the physical activity of chasing and capturing prey.
  7. Self-recognition: Some researchers suggest that geckos can recognize their own calls, a rare ability known as “self-referential cognition.” This means they could be making sounds to orient themselves or identify their locations.

There you have it! The many reasons why geckos are not just seen but heard too. It’s a noisy world out there in the land of the gecko!

Common Sounds Made by Different Gecko Species

Geckos might not be competing in a vocal talent show anytime soon, but the range of sounds they produce is indeed impressive. Let’s take a whistle-stop tour of the world of gecko vocalizations, examining some of the most common sounds produced by different species:

  1. Leopard Geckos

These popular pets are generally quiet, but they can produce a range of sounds. The Leopard gecko noises are usually a bark, a chirp, or a squeak. A loud, sudden squeak or bark is often a sign of surprise or distress. Lower volume chirps or squeaks can be signs of contentment or simply the juvenile leopard gecko exploring its surroundings.

  1. Tokay Geckos

Named for their distinctive call, Tokay Geckos are among the most vocal gecko species. They emit a loud, repeated “To-kay, To-kay” sound. This call, primarily produced by males, serves as both a territorial warning and a mating call to attract females.

  1. Crested Geckos

A crested gecko known for making a soft chirping or barking sound, often when they are excited or stressed. They may also make a purring sound when they are content or exploring.

  1. Madagascar Giant Day Geckos

These geckos emit a distinctive chirp that’s used for communication with other geckos. They may also make a loud squeak when they feel threatened.

  1. Moorish Geckos

Also known as the croaking gecko, this species can produce a croak-like sound that’s quite unique. They’re usually heard at night during the breeding season.

  1. New Caledonian Giant Geckos

Also known as Leach’s Giant Gecko, this species is known for the low growl they make when disturbed. When communicating with other geckos, they make a chirping noise.

  1. Gargoyle Geckos

They emit a low, growling bark when they feel threatened or are engaging in a territorial dispute. Some individuals may also chirp or squeak.

The fact that each gecko species, from common house gecko (Asian house gecko) to moon lizard (house lizard) and from male geckos to female geckos to adult geckos, has a distinct “voice” only adds to their charm and fascination.

How to Interpret Gecko Sounds?

Deciphering the language of geckos can seem a bit like trying to crack an ancient code. While we can’t offer you a precise Gecko-English dictionary (yet!), we can provide some general guidelines to help you interpret what your gecko might be trying to communicate:

  1. Barking: Typically, a gecko’s bark is a warning signal. It could be used as a defense mechanism when they’re startled, scared, or trying to establish their territory. In a home setting, it could mean they’re not comfortable with their environment or something new has been introduced into their space.
  2. Chirping: Chirping is often seen in social species and can indicate a wide range of emotions. It can be a friendly interaction between geckos, a mating call, or an expression of curiosity while exploring. However, repeated and frantic chirping may indicate distress.
  3. Squeaking: A squeak from a gecko often indicates surprise or fear, especially if it’s loud and sudden. Lower-volume squeaks or chirps can be signs of contentment or general communication.
  4. Growling: Growling is less common but can be heard from certain species, like the New Caledonian Giant Gecko. It’s generally a warning or threat signal and indicates that the gecko wants to be left alone.
  5. Clicking: Clicking can be a sign of anticipation or excitement, especially around feeding time. However, it can also indicate irritation or a desire to be left alone.

Remember, though, every gecko is unique, and what might be a happy chirp from one might be a distressed squeak from another. Understanding your gecko’s sounds comes with time, observation, and a whole lot of patience. Get to know your scaly friend, pay attention to the sounds they make in different situations, and you’ll soon start to decode their secret language.

Keep in mind that vocalizations are just one part of a gecko’s communication arsenal. Body language, behavior, and physical condition are also crucial in understanding what your gecko may be trying to tell you. For example, a normally vocal gecko that suddenly becomes silent could be a sign of stress or illness. Always observe your gecko in a holistic way to ensure they’re healthy and content.

Should You Be Worried About Your Gecko’s Sounds?

If you’ve recently become a gecko parent or you’re an old hand who’s just become more curious about your pet’s noises, it’s important to know when to be concerned about the sounds your gecko makes.

In general, gecko sounds are a normal part of their behavior and communication. It’s their way of expressing their feelings, desires, and reactions to the environment. From the softer chirps and clicks to louder barks or growls, these sounds are usually a healthy part of your gecko’s day-to-day life.

However, there are a few instances where you might want to pay extra attention:

  1. Changes in Frequency or Volume: If your gecko suddenly starts making sounds more frequently or at a higher volume than usual, it could indicate stress, fear, or discomfort. This change could be due to a new environment, a change in routine, or the presence of a perceived threat.
  2. Changes in Type of Sound: If your gecko starts making a sound they’ve never made before, it’s worth investigating. It could be reacting to something new in its environment, or it might be unwell.
  3. Sounds Accompanied by Unusual Behavior or Physical Signs: If your gecko is making sounds and also acting strangely (not eating, being less active, showing changes in color or skin), it’s crucial to consult a vet. These signs could indicate illness.
  4. Continuous Distress Sounds: A continuous series of distress sounds (like a high-pitched squeak or bark) can indicate that your gecko is very scared or in pain.

Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. If you’re ever in doubt about your gecko’s sounds or behavior, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional or a reptile vet. After all, a healthy gecko is a happy gecko, and a happy gecko makes for a joyful pet parent!

Conclusion

 To wrap things up, geckos aren’t your run-of-the-mill silent reptiles. These scaly creatures are noisy neighbors in the animal kingdom. From bold territorial declarations to soft purrs of contentment, and urgent distress signals to romantic serenades, geckos use an array of sounds to communicate with their world. Each species, in its own unique way, adds a different note to this symphony of sounds.

 So, whether you’re a gecko guardian puzzled by your pet’s chirps or a wildlife enthusiast trying to identify that strange sound in the night, we hope this deep dive into gecko gab has been enlightening. And maybe, the next time you hear a gecko’s call, you’ll stop to appreciate the complexity and richness of their communication.

Jennifer

wp user thumbnail

I'm Jennifer Mecham, worked for 7 years in an animal shelter in New York. I created this blog to educate people about these amazing creatures and to show them that reptiles can make great pets. Join me on this journey as we explore the world of reptiles.

About The Author

Scroll to Top