Underwater vocalizations of the bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus)

Abstract

The underwater vocalizations of bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) were recorded between March and June in 1979, 1982, and 1983 at six sites in the Arctic. In total, 970 trills were measured for temporal and spectral characteristics and then classified as one of six types. Trills were narrow in bandwidth and frequency modulated. The repertoires of vocalizing bearded seals varied amongst the six recording sites. Between-site differences in temporal and spectral features, call use, and sequential organization were measured. The results suggest that bearded seals may be relatively sedentary and that geographically different vocal repertoires may be characteristic of discrete breeding stocks. A prominent daily cycle in rate of calling during April and May was found at two sites; rate of calling was higher during the early morning hours (i.e., 03:00–04:00 sun time) than at other times of the day. No distinct temporal cycle occurred during late May and early June. Rate of calling appeared to be negatively correlated with pattern of haul out. In simultaneous recordings, a few (13 of 156) bearded seal trills were recorded up to a distance of 25 km underwater.