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Updated: Jan 12, 2026
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In Ovo and Ex Ovo Methods to Study Avian Inner Ear Development
Published on: June 16, 2022
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Avian hissing sounds: occurrence, mechanism, ontogeny, function and phylogeny
1Deparment of Biology, Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.
Royal Society Open Science
|November 6, 2025
Summary
Bird hissing sounds, a common but understudied phenomenon, are produced by forced air and serve diverse communication functions, primarily in defense. Further research is needed to understand the variation and consequences of these avian acoustic signals.
Area of Science:
- Bioacoustics
- Ethology
- Evolutionary Ecology
Background:
- Hissing sounds, produced by forced air, are common in animals but understudied in birds.
- Hypothesized as a behavioural symplesiomorphy in Amniota, hissing is mainly associated with reptiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the prevalence, mechanisms, and functions of hissing sounds in birds.
- To highlight research gaps in avian bioacoustics and behavioral ecology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of avian hissing sounds.
- Categorization of hissing functions based on behavioral contexts.
Main Results:
- Hissing sounds identified in at least 86 avian families across 34 orders.
- Primary function appears to be threat/defense displays, but also involved in agonistic interactions, parent-offspring communication, and mating.
Conclusions:
- Avian hissing is widespread and plays diverse roles in communication.
- Significant research gaps exist regarding individual variation, acoustic individuality, and fitness consequences.
Keywords:
behavioural ecologybirdsevolutionfunctionhissing callintraspecific acoustic communicationproduction mechanismMore Related Videos
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