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Horses Use Unique Biphonation for Long-Distance Communication

2/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A study in Current Biology shows horses produce a two-toned whinny by combining high- and low-pitched sounds, called biphonation.
The high pitch arises from a whistling mechanism in the voice box and the low pitch comes from vibrating vocal cords.
The dual sound may help long-distance communication and convey intensity during social interactions and further study is needed to assess the evolutionary significance.

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Story summary

A study in Current Biology shows horses produce a two-toned whinny by combining high- and low-pitched sounds, called biphonation.
The high pitch arises from a whistling mechanism in the voice box and the low pitch comes from vibrating vocal cords.
The dual sound may help long-distance communication and convey intensity during social interactions and further study is needed to assess the evolutionary significance.