Australia's Favourite Animal Sound: An ABC Initiative for National Science Week 2023 12-20 August

The great continent of Australia is renowned for its unique and diverse wildlife, a true testament to the wonders of the natural world. As National Science Week 2023 approaches, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is inviting everyone to join in a nationwide initiative that celebrates the extraordinary symphony of animal sounds that resonate throughout the land. This initiative, titled "Australia's Favourite Animal Sound," invites citizens to cast their votes for the most cherished calls of the wild.

The Science Behind the Symphony

From the rhythmic screeches of cicadas during the warm summer nights to the haunting howls of dingoes echoing through the outback, Australia is home to a plethora of distinct animal sounds. The project aims to shed light on the fascinating field of bioacoustics, which delves into the study of wildlife sounds. Ecologist and science communicator, Dr. Jen Martin, emphasises the significance of animal sounds in scientific research. These sounds aid in identifying elusive creatures and provide insights into their behaviours, communication patterns, and interactions.

The renowned science communicator, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, encourages individuals to embrace this opportunity to connect with Australia's unique wildlife and explore the captivating sounds they produce. By participating in this initiative, people not only contribute to determining the nation's favourite animal sound but also engage with the marvels of nature that surround them.

Listening to the Call of the Wild

The initiative presents a list of 28 distinct animal sounds for consideration, ranging from the iconic whip crack of the whipbird to the eerie, long call of the moaning frog. Each sound has been carefully selected by ABC's team of nature enthusiasts in collaboration with scientists, offering a diverse and captivating array of noises that represent the animal kingdom's vocal prowess.

Included among the contenders are the unmistakable "koo-koo-koo-koo-koo-kaa-kaa-kaa" of the kookaburra, the melodic and maniacal calls of the butcherbird, the enchanting mimicry of the lyrebird, and the soul-stirring grunts and bellows of the koala. These captivating sounds are more than just auditory experiences; they provide valuable insights into the behaviours and communication strategies of these remarkable creatures.

Join the Chorus: Cast Your Vote

The voting process has started at www.abc.net.au/sounds, where as a participant you can immerse yourself in the symphony of Australian wildlife. Take the opportunity to listen to each animal sound, learn about the creatures that produce them, and ultimately cast your vote for your top three favourites.

After the initial round of voting, the list will be narrowed down to the top 10 finalists on August 11th. A second round of voting will commence, leading to the announcement of the winning animal sound on August 18th. This eagerly anticipated revelation will mark the culmination of Australia's Favourite Animal Sound project for National Science Week 2023.

The project has received support through the Australian Government's Inspiring Australia strategy, showcasing the value of scientific engagement and exploration in the nation.

A Celebration of Nature's Melodies

Australia's Favourite Animal Sound initiative is a celebration of the symphony that reverberates across the country's landscapes. It encourages people to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature's soundscape, showcasing the intricate and diverse ways in which animals communicate and express themselves. By casting your vote, you're not only participating in a poll but also joining a chorus that reverberates with the essence of the Australian wilderness.

So, open your ears and hearts to the enchanting calls of the wild, explore the captivating world of bioacoustics, and cast your vote to honour the most cherished animal sounds that define Australia's natural heritage.

Australia’s Favourite Animal Sound: the long list

Barking owl/Muurrguu (Ninox connivens): “woof woof”

Banjo frog (Limnodynastes species): “bonk bonk”

Boobook/Guurrguurr (Ninox boobook and Ninox leucopsis): “book book” or “mo-poke”

Black cockatoo (Zanda funerea): “kee-ow”

Bush stone-curlew (Burhinus grallarius): “weer-lo”

Butcherbird (Cracticus torquatus and Cracticus nigrogularis): melodic and maniacal

Cicadas (superfamily Cicadoidea): “screeeeee”

Dingo (Canis familiaris): “oh-ooll”

Fairywren (Malurus species): high tinkering trills

Flying fox (Pteropus species): squeeling, squabbling and cackling

Gang-gang cockatoo (Callocephalon fimbriatu): “creak creak”

Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla): “chi chi”

Green tree frog (Litoria caerulea): “crawk-crawk-crawk”

Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae): squeals, whistles, rumbles

Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus): grunts and bellows

Koel (Eudynamys orientalis): “koo-el”

Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae): “koo-koo-koo-koo-koo-kaa-kaa-kaa”

Lyre bird (Menura novaehollandiae): a famous mimic

Magpie (Gymnorhina tibicenhas): melodious carolling

Moaning frog (Heleioporus eyrei): “ooohhhugh”

Possum (brushtail) (Trichosurus vulpecula): grunts and screeches

Possum (ringtail) (Pseudocheirus peregrinus): squeeky chirrups

Raven (Corvus coronoides): “ah-ah-ah-aaaah” 

Sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps): “yap, yap”

Sulphur-crested cockatoo (Cacatua galerita): “raa-aach”

Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii): “raaaach”

Whipbird (Psophodes olivaceus): whipcrack followed by “choo-choo” 

Yellow-bellied glider (Petaurus australi): shrieks and gurgles

Don't forget to practise!!