Turtle Sounds (A Deepdive Into Noises Turtles Make)- All Turtles

Turtles are often thought to be silent, but they actually make a variety of sounds. From defensive hisses to strange chirps, turtles use noises to communicate fear, aggression, and more. In fact, recent studies reveal that many turtle species do vocalize, even without vocal cords. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore all the noises turtles make, how they produce these sounds by expelling air, and what each sound means for turtle communication and care.

Table of Contents

1. Do Turtles Make Sounds?
2. What Noise Does a Turtle Make?
3. Nervous/Stressed Turtle Sounds
4. Aggressive Turtle Sounds
5. Mating Turtle Sounds
6. Red-Eared Slider Chirping Sounds
7. Other Distinct Turtle Sounds
8. Sea Turtle Noises
9. Sound Communication With Humans
10. Types of Turtle Sounds – Why Do Turtles Make These Sounds?

Do Turtles Make Sounds?

While turtles don’t have vocal cords or a voice box, they are still capable of producing a wide range of noises and sounds. Many of these sounds are very low-pitched or quiet—often below the range of human hearing—so we don’t notice them. But turtles do communicate using sounds. For example, they can hiss, grunt, roar, and even cluck like a chicken in certain cases. These noises serve different purposes from expressing fear to attracting mates.

How do turtles manage to vocalize without vocal cords? It’s actually pretty simple: they make sounds by expelling air from their lungs. When a turtle quickly pushes air out (for instance, when pulling its head into its shell), the rush of air can create audible noises. Turtles also have internal ears and are most sensitive to low-frequency sounds (below 1,000 Hz), which means the low-pitched sounds they make can travel farther underwater. Until recently, scientists assumed turtles were mostly silent, but new research has documented vocalizations in dozens of turtle species. In one study, recordings from over 50 supposedly “mute” turtle species revealed that every one of them produced at least some vocal sound. This discovery is changing how we understand turtle behavior and its ancient origins.

What Noise Does a Turtle Make?

The most common noise a pet turtle makes is a hissing sound. Hissing is generally an indication of fear or stress, not aggression. This involuntary sound occurs when the turtle quickly retracts its head into its shell, forcing air out of the lungs and producing a hiss. If your turtle hisses when you approach, it’s not “talking back” or about to attack—it’s simply startled and expressing anxiety by expelling air.

Aside from hissing, turtles may make other audible sounds on occasion. As we’ll see, turtles might grunt when exerting themselves (like during mating or eating) or even produce a kind of chirp. Generally, expect turtles to be noisiest when they are frightened, feeling territorial, or engaging in courtship. Below we explore some specific contexts and the noises you might hear from a turtle.

Nervous/Stressed Turtle Sounds

Turtles, unlike dogs or cats (and even many other reptiles like snakes), do not usually enjoy being touched or handled frequently. When you first try to handle a pet turtle, it’s not uncommon for it to hiss out of fear. This “nervous hiss” simply means the turtle is frightened and wants to be left alone. Over time, gentle and brief handling can help a turtle become more accustomed to you, but you should always handle a turtle patiently. Building trust with short, positive interactions can reduce stress, but even a well-acclimated turtle may still hiss if it feels unsafe.

A hissing turtle in this context is essentially saying “I’m scared.” The sound is an involuntary reflex caused by pulling into the shell. It’s a defensive mechanism, not a sign of aggression. If you hear your turtle hissing when you approach or pick it up, the best response is to give it space and let it calm down. Below is a video with a hissing turtle to give you an idea of what this sounds like:

Hissing Turtle Video

Aggressive Turtle Sounds

A belligerent or territorial turtle may use sound to try to intimidate before biting or snapping. For instance, snapping turtles and other aggressive species will often hiss loudly and breathe heavily when they feel threatened or are defending their space. This aggressive sound – a combination of sharp hissing and audible heavy breathing – serves as a warning: the turtle is ready to strike if the threat doesn’t retreat.

If you plan on housing multiple turtles together, it’s important to provide a large enough enclosure with hiding spots so each turtle feels secure. Crowding can lead to frequent confrontations and stress. When turtles do get into territorial disputes, you might observe them facing off, hissing underwater (which we usually can’t hear), or quickly expelling air as they lunge. The best approach is to give them space to establish territories or separate individuals that don’t get along.

In the wild, an angry hiss may accompany a mock charge or bite attempt. The video below shows the sound produced by an agitated common snapping turtle – notice the deep hiss as it strikes. Hearing this kind of loud hiss or “forced exhale” is a clear sign the turtle is feeling aggressive or defensive:

Aggressive Turtle Video

Mating Turtle Sounds

Turtles make some distinct (and often surprising) sounds when mating. Many turtle and tortoise owners are familiar with the grunts or groans male turtles produce during courtship. This sound is somewhat hard to describe—it can resemble a continuous cry or a strained moan. If you breed larger turtles such as tortoises, you have likely heard the males vocalize as they attempt to mate. When combined with a male turtle’s vigorous head-bobbing or shell-ramming mating behavior, the noises can be quite amusing or startling to human ears!

Different species have their own mating calls. For example, male red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonarius) emit a series of clucking sounds that are remarkably similar to a chicken’s cluck during courtship. Smaller tortoise species like Russian tortoises might produce soft, high-pitched squeaks, while giant tortoises (such as the Aldabra or Galápagos tortoise) bellow with deep groans. In aquatic turtles, males of some species may grunt or quietly vocalize underwater while courting females. Map turtles (Graptemys species), for instance, have been observed emitting low-frequency sounds during mating rituals—these are so low-pitched that humans can barely or not at all perceive them. Overall, if you hear a turtle making repetitive grunts or cries, there’s a good chance courtship or mating is the reason.

The video below shows a pair of tortoises mating; the male’s distinctive groaning calls can be heard clearly and are a classic example of turtle mating sounds. (Many videos of turtles mating have gone viral precisely because the noises are so unexpected!)

In some cases, the sounds turtles make during mating might be too low for us to hear, but they could still be communicating. The bottom line is that turtles aren’t quiet when it comes to romance – their mating calls, whether clucks, grunts, or groans, are among the loudest sounds they ever produce.

Red-Eared Slider Chirping Sounds

The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is one species of turtle known to make a distinct chirping or squeaking sound that often surprises its owners. This chirping noise is relatively specific to red-eared sliders, and it can happen for a few different reasons. Sometimes a slider will emit a soft chirp if the water temperature in its tank is too cold or otherwise unsuitable—kind of like a little complaint! In other cases, a persistent chirping or wheezing sound could be a sign of an underlying respiratory problem (though this is less common).

If your red-eared slider is chirping, don’t panic. First, observe your turtle for any other symptoms of illness: for example, swollen or runny eyes, a runny nose or excess mucus, lethargy, lack of appetite, or shell softness can indicate a respiratory infection or other health issues. If any of these accompany the sound, a vet visit is warranted. Often, however, the turtle is simply reacting to environmental factors. Try adjusting the water temperature or quality, as sliders sometimes make these noises when they’re uncomfortable or even just excited (some owners notice chirps during feeding or play).

In many cases, a red-eared slider chirp is short-lived and stops once conditions are improved or the turtle calms down. Young turtles and hatchlings may chirp more frequently due to stress or new environments. (Baby turtles in general tend to be more vocal than adults when stressed.) Interestingly, scientific recordings of red-eared sliders have captured a whole range of very quiet underwater sounds—one study identified over 12 distinct call types made by sliders—though most of these are too faint or low-frequency for us to detect. So, while you might only hear an occasional chirp from your pet slider, rest assured that turtles like these do have their own subtle ways of “talking” that we’re only beginning to understand. If your turtle continues chirping despite a proper habitat and shows any signs of illness, consult a reptile veterinarian to be safe.

Other Distinct Turtle Sounds

Not all turtles sound alike. Some species have unique noises or uses of sound that set them apart. For example, the giant Amazon River turtle (also known as the Arrau turtle, Podocnemis expansa) of South America is highly social and uses sounds extensively. These large river turtles navigate the dark, muddy waters of the Amazon by producing low-frequency sounds that function a bit like an underwater guide.

In essence, they use a form of echolocation-like communication to stay together and coordinate. Mother Arrau turtles have been recorded vocalizing during communal nesting, and hatchlings call to each other and the adults as they prepare to emerge from the nest. This helps the group synchronize hatching and migration to the river. In their flooded forest environment, low-pitched sounds travel well, allowing the turtles to maintain contact over distances.

Another species with a startling sound is the big-headed turtle (Platysternon megacephalum) of Southeast Asia. When removed from water or threatened on land, the big-headed turtle can produce a noise that sounds very much like a loud roar. This “roaring” is essentially an extremely forceful hiss, amplified by the turtle’s unique anatomy. It’s a defensive sound meant to startle predators (including unwary humans!). Big-headed turtles are small in size but fierce, and their roar is a clear message to back off. Unfortunately, this species is endangered due to habitat loss and over-collection, so hearing its roar in the wild is increasingly rare.

The pig-nosed turtle (Carettochelys insculpta), also called the Fly River turtle, is another fascinating case. This freshwater turtle from Australia and New Guinea has a pig-like snout and flippers, and it turns out to be quite “chatty” underwater. Researchers have recorded pig-nosed turtles making short, barking sounds and grunts while swimming, especially during feeding, basking, and nesting. In one study, seven pig-nosed turtles produced over 180 distinct calls ranging from clicks to grunts. This is one of the first freshwater turtle species recognized to have a rather complex vocal repertoire. The pig-nosed turtle is listed as Vulnerable, and understanding its communication can help conservationists ensure that human noise doesn’t disrupt its behavior.

Sea Turtle Noises

Sea turtles (which include only seven living species, such as the green, loggerhead, and leatherback) were long thought to be mostly silent. We now know that turtles, including sea turtles, do produce sounds—primarily low-pitched noises that are difficult for humans to detect. Low-frequency sounds travel farther and more efficiently underwater, so these are favored by sea turtles for communication. While research on sea turtle vocalizations is still fairly limited, significant data have been collected in recent decades, especially on leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea).

One breakthrough came in 1999, when researchers made the first known recordings of leatherback sea turtles making sounds. These recordings revealed a repertoire of grunts and rhythmic pulse sounds linked to specific behaviors (like respiration or resting). In the years since, scientists have documented that several baby sea turtle species vocalize before and during hatching. For instance, hatchlings of the leatherback sea turtle, green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), and olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) all make sounds while still in the egg and as they emerge. These sounds include brief grunts, chirps, and other soft noises. In fact, multiple studies have overturned the old notion that turtles are “deaf as a stump” and do not communicate—clearly, they do.

Interestingly, some South American freshwater turtles share this trait. The Arrau turtle (the giant Amazon River turtle mentioned earlier) and its relatives like the yellow-spotted Amazon River turtle (Podocnemis unifilis) and six-tubercled Amazon River turtle (Podocnemis sextuberculata) also vocalize extensively around hatching time. Arrau embryos begin to make sounds about 36–48 hours before hatching, and leatherback hatchlings have been recorded starting their vocalizations roughly 51 days into incubation (near the end of development). Scientists suspect these sounds help coordinate a synchronous group hatching.

Sea turtle hatchlings likely benefit from group communication. By calling to each other while still in the nest, baby turtles can hatch together and dig out as a group. Emerging all at once increases their survival odds by overwhelming predators (a phenomenon known as predator swamping). Researchers have roughly grouped the various hatchling calls into a few categories (based on sound characteristics), but more research is needed to fully interpret them.

There is also evidence of communication between mother sea turtles and hatchlings. Mother turtles (in species like the Arrau) have been observed responding to the sounds of hatching babies and may even vocalize to get the attention of their young. Remarkably, baby Arrau turtles will call out as they scramble to the water, which attracts adult females. These females then lead the baby turtles along river corridors to safer, food-rich flooded areas. One study led by herpetologist Richard Vogt found that female Arrau turtles guided hatchlings on a journey of about 62 km (38.5 miles) over 16 days into the flooded forest. This suggests a level of post-hatching parental care in turtles that was never suspected before—and it’s all mediated by sound!

Unfortunately, as low-pitched sound communication is vital for baby turtles and others, the increasing noise pollution in oceans and rivers is a concern. Sounds from ship engines, boat traffic, construction, and other human activities can drown out or disrupt turtle vocalizations. Conservationists are now considering the impact of sound disturbances on turtles—yet another reason to reduce noise pollution in critical turtle habitats.

Baby Sea Turtle Sounds

Why do near-term turtle embryos and new hatchlings vocalize? Herpetologists have a few hypotheses, especially based on observations of sea turtles and Amazon River turtles:

1. Embryos Vocalize to Synchronize

One reason baby turtles make sounds is to synchronize their hatching. By “calling” to one another while still inside their eggs or just as they hatch, the siblings in a nest can coordinate timing. This induces communal digging, meaning all the hatchlings work together to crawl up through the sand at once. If you’ve ever seen a nest of sea turtles erupt on a beach with dozens of babies emerging almost simultaneously, sound communication is a big part of why that happens.

Synchronizing hatches ensures that weaker individuals aren’t left behind to dig out alone. It also means the group can reach the surface faster by combining their efforts—truly a team endeavor right from birth!

In short, embryos and hatchlings calling to each other is like an agreed-upon “time to go!” signal so that they all break out of the nest together.

2. Embryos Vocalize to Reduce Predation Risk

A second reason for these early vocalizations is predator avoidance. Baby turtles are extremely vulnerable to predators (like birds, crabs, and fish) on their journey from nest to water. If they were to emerge one by one over hours or days, predators would pick them off easily. Instead, by hatching in unison and all dashing for the water at the same time, each individual has a better chance—predators can only eat so many at once.

The sounds the hatchlings make help ensure they all come out together, which overwhelms predators by sheer numbers. In the chaos of dozens or hundreds of tiny turtles flapping toward the surf simultaneously, more hatchlings can make it past waiting gulls or crabs. This strategy of safety in numbers is effective largely because the babies communicated and coordinated through sound.

3. Hatchlings Vocalize to Attract Females

Unique to certain species like the Amazon’s Arrau turtle, hatchlings may call to attract adult females (which are often their mothers or other nesting females in the area). As mentioned, baby Arrau turtles peep and squeak once they’re moving toward the water. These calls prompt adult female turtles to respond and gather the hatchlings, essentially “herding” them to safer areas. The females lead the babies to flooded forests where there is shelter and abundant food, acting as guides for the young during their first days of life.

This kind of post-hatching care is extraordinary in reptiles and was only recently documented thanks to sound recordings. It shows that turtle social behavior is richer than previously assumed. By following the voices of the youngsters, the female turtles improve the survival chances of the next generation.

These three reasons—synchronizing the hatching, diluting predation, and summoning guidance—highlight how vital acoustic communication is even at the very start of a turtle’s life.

As a side note, all this means that human-made noises can be especially harmful during nesting season. If loud engines or construction drown out the hatchlings’ tiny calls, it could throw off their timing or prevent females from hearing them. This is why conservationists warn that noise pollution on turtle nesting beaches or in turtle habitats can have a detrimental effect on turtle survival.

Sound Communication With Humans

Compared to many pets, turtles aren’t very vocal or demonstrative, but they do communicate in simple ways with their human keepers. As mentioned, your turtle may hiss when you approach or try to pick it up—this is basically the turtle telling you “please back off, I’m nervous.” Over time, as a pet turtle becomes familiar with its owner and learns that you’re not a threat (often associating you with feeding and positive experiences), it tends to hiss less at your presence. Many turtles eventually stop hissing when their owner comes near and instead may even become curious or approach the front of the tank.

However, even the friendliest pet turtle might still hiss or puff air if you suddenly pick it up. This is normal; being lifted can be startling or uncomfortable for a turtle. It’s best to minimize unnecessary handling and always support the turtle’s body to help it feel secure when you do need to pick it up.

Pet turtles might also make sounds indirectly to get your attention. For example, some owners report their turtles “knocking” on the glass of the tank or making a tapping sound when they see the owner in the room. Usually, this happens when the turtle is hungry or expecting food—turtles learn to associate your presence (or even particular sounds like the opening of a food container) with feeding time. A turtle eagerly swimming and bumping the tank walls may create a thumping or clicking noise as a way of begging. Tortoises in outdoor enclosures have been known to grunt or wheeze while stretching up toward a person, which owners often interpret as begging for a treat or a gentle shell scratch.

Keep in mind that turtles don’t “talk” to humans the way cats or dogs might. They’re not domesticated to respond to our voices or make sounds on command. But they do recognize routine and can become quite interactive in their own subtle ways. If your turtle taps or makes any noise when it sees you, it’s likely learned that you are the food-bringer and it’s trying to get your attention! In general, a content, healthy turtle will be fairly quiet, reserving sounds for moments of fear, excitement (often around feeding or mating), or territorial displays.

Types of Turtle Sounds – Why Do Turtles Make These Sounds?

Turtles can produce several different types of sounds to express various states or needs. How can a creature with such a short neck and no vocal cords manage this? As we’ve discussed, it all comes down to pushing air and sometimes rubbing internal structures. Let’s summarize the most common turtle sounds and what they mean:

Hissing

Hissing is by far the most frequent sound pet turtles make. Turtles hiss by quickly expelling air from their lungs. This often happens when they retract into their shell rapidly—since there isn’t much room inside, they must push air out to make space for their head and limbs. The result is a sharp hiss. An “angry” hiss is usually just a scared turtle reacting. In some cases, a persistent hissing, especially accompanied by open-mouth breathing, can indicate a respiratory problem (like the turtle is having difficulty breathing normally).

Grunting

Grunting is a shorter, deeper sound than a hiss. It’s caused by a similar action—emptying the lungs—but with a bit more force all at once. If a turtle allows a larger burst of air out, it may sound like a grunt. Turtles often grunt when exerting themselves, such as a male mounting a female during mating or a turtle straining to pull its body over an obstacle. A grunt can also happen during eating if the turtle is enthusiastically gulping down food and pushing out air.

Crying

“Crying” or whimpering sounds in turtles are not common and usually indicate a respiratory issue. If a turtle has fluid or mucus clogging its airways (like during a respiratory infection), the normal hiss or breathy sound can turn into a wheezy, whining cry. It may sound a bit like a sad whine or a baby’s cry, albeit much quieter. If you ever hear a crying or whistling noise from your turtle, check for other illness signs and consult a vet—healthy turtles don’t truly cry (and they don’t shed tears with emotion, either; if you see water from a turtle’s eyes, it’s often a sign of infection or irritation).

Roaring

A “roaring” turtle might sound impossible, but as mentioned, big-headed turtles are known for a roar-like hiss. This sound is essentially a very loud, explosive hiss that in a quiet environment can resemble a roar or scream. Other turtles generally don’t roar, so if you hear a turtle making a prolonged, growling hiss, it’s likely a big-headed turtle or a similar species, and it is definitely feeling threatened. The roar is a defensive, back-off signal.

Chirping

Chirping is a high-pitched, short squeak or peep. It’s most commonly heard from baby turtles or smaller species. Stress is a frequent cause—hatchlings sometimes chirp when they’re handled or in a new environment (much like chicks peeping). In aquatic turtles like red-eared sliders, a chirping sound can occur if water conditions aren’t ideal or if the turtle is excited (such as during feeding). Sometimes what we call “chirping” is actually the turtle rubbing parts of its mouth or throat (since they have no vocal cords, this friction can create a squeaky sound, a bit like how crickets chirp by rubbing parts together). Always pay attention if your turtle chirps; occasional chirps during activity might be harmless, but repeated chirping could signal illness (for example, an early respiratory issue) if accompanied by other symptoms.

Gurgling

Gurgling or guttural rumbling noises from a turtle are uncommon, but some owners have reported their turtles making a low gurgle, especially when hungry. It might be the turtle’s breathing or throat movement while anticipating food. One recorded instance involved a snapping turtle making a soft gurgling “growl” when begging for food. The exact mechanism isn’t well understood—turtles lack a diaphragm, so it’s not a stomach growl like ours. It could be a combination of throat muscles and expelled air. In any case, gurgling is rare and still puzzles researchers, but it does show that turtles can produce a broader range of sounds than one might expect.

Echo-location

True echolocation (like bats and dolphins use) is not known in turtles, but the term has been applied to the Arrau turtle’s low-frequency navigation sounds. As described earlier, Arrau (giant Amazon) turtles make a series of very low, throbbing sounds when moving through murky waters or when congregating during nesting season. These sounds likely help them locate each other and stay together in dark conditions. Humans can’t hear these without special equipment, but they have been detected with underwater microphones. So, while turtles don’t use high-pitched sonar clicks like a dolphin, at least one species uses low-pitched sound pulses to effectively “echo-locate” or guide itself through its environment.

Conclusion

Turtles may not be the chattiest creatures on Earth, but they certainly aren’t completely silent. They communicate both vocally (through sounds) and non-vocally (through body language and behavior). Most of the vocal communication we can hear is related to fear, stress, or mating. If you hear your pet turtle hissing, it’s usually a sign of panic or discomfort—give the little guy some space and time to feel secure. Unlike a dog or cat, a turtle isn’t hissing to threaten you; it’s an involuntary reaction.

Aggressive turtles also hiss or puff when confronting a rival or predator. And during mating, turtles can surprise you with some downright funny noises—from the high-pitched squeaks of a tiny tortoise to the groaning bellows of a giant tortoise. Beyond the sounds humans can hear, turtles (especially aquatic species and embryos) produce a variety of low-frequency sounds to coordinate social behaviors. These low-pitched sounds have the advantage of traveling far underwater, which is crucial for communication in rivers and oceans.

One of the most fascinating discoveries in recent years is that even turtle embryos and hatchlings use sound to improve their survival. By calling to each other, baby turtles synchronize their hatching and emerging from the nest, and in some cases even get guidance from adult turtles. This was a huge revelation because for a long time people assumed turtles were deaf and mute. Now we know they’ve likely been quietly chatting for millions of years—we just weren’t listening.

Does your turtle hiss at you or make any other funny noises? Paying attention to these sounds can help you understand when your turtle is scared, hungry, or simply going about its normal behavior. While they might not “talk” like more social animals, turtles have their own subtle language of hisses, grunts, and clicks. As we continue to study them, we’re bound to learn even more about what turtles are telling each other—and maybe even us—through their sounds.

More first aid topics

• How to Save a Drowning Turtle
• What to Do About a Cracked Shell

Sources

• IUCN Red List – Big-headed Turtle (Platysternon megacephalum): Listed as Critically Endangered (global assessment).
• NOAA Fisheries – “Sea Turtles in a Sea of Sound” (2021) (on sea turtle hearing range and noise pollution).
• Ferrara, C.R. et al. (2013) – Study on acoustic communication in Giant South American River Turtles (Podocnemis expansa), Journal of Comparative Psychology.
• Wildlife Conservation Society (2017) – Press release on discovery of pig-nosed turtle (Carettochelys insculpta) vocalizations (published in Copeia journal).
• Jorgewich-Cohen, G. et al. (2021) – Nature Communications study showing over 50 turtle species (and other “mute” reptiles) actually vocalize, suggesting an ancient origin of turtle sound communication.