Do You Know What A Donkey Sounds Like?

Donkey braying
Photo by Ansgar Scheffold on Unsplash

The sound of a donkey, often referred to as braying or hee-hawing, is one of the most distinctive and recognizable animal calls in the world. But have you ever stopped to think about what exactly a donkey sounds like, or why they make such a unique noise? Today, we’re exploring just this.

@gilgitbaltistanadventure Donkey sound #donkey #travel #mountainanimals #tiktokcreators #tiktokapp #tiktokpakistan ♬ original sound – Gilgit Baltistan Adventure

A donkey’s bray can last for up to twenty seconds. It’s composed of two main parts: the inhalation of air, known as the “hee,” and the exhalation, referred to as the “haw.” This vocalization can reach volumes of up to 90 decibels, roughly equivalent to a lawn mower. This means it can be heard for about two miles in the right conditions. 

@stald_saga Donkey Braying – VERY LOUD‼️🔊🙉💋#foryoupage #4u #foryou #foru #donkey #braying #horse #icelandichorse #horselove #horsesoftiktok #horseriding #horsegirl #horsepower #horseaddict #horselife #horselifestyle #horsecrazy ♬ original sound – Stald_Saga

Why Do Donkeys Bray?

Donkeys bray for a variety of reasons, and here are just a couple of them.

Donkeys are social animals, and braying is their way of keeping in touch with other donkeys over large distances. They may bray to respond to another donkey’s call, signaling their presence and ensuring the cohesion of the group or family.

Braying can also indicate a donkey’s emotional state. Whether they’re excited, lonely, or stressed, donkeys use their bray to express their feelings. 

@pinehillfarm Braylee had some things to say about that #bray #donkey #rescue #equineoftiktok #ShowUsYourDrawers #funny #fyp #farmlife #angrydonkey #donk ♬ Sneaky Snitch – Kevin MacLeod