Quick Answer
The volume of a snort-wheeze call is influenced by a buck's age, vocal cord size, and the depth of his lungs. Younger bucks tend to produce a higher-pitched and softer call, while older bucks produce a deeper and louder call. Breeding season also affects the volume and frequency of their snort-wheeze calls.
Factors Affecting Vocal Cord Size
A buck’s vocal cord size directly impacts the volume of his snort-wheeze call. Research suggests that a buck’s vocal cord size increases with age, resulting in deeper and louder calls. Typically, vocal cord size reaches its maximum size in 2.5- to 3.5-year-old bucks. In comparison, younger bucks (1.5-2.5 years old) have smaller vocal cords, producing higher-pitched and softer calls.
Lung Capacity and Snort-Wheeze Call Volume
A buck’s lung capacity also plays a crucial role in determining the volume of his snort-wheeze call. Bucks with larger lungs are capable of producing louder and longer calls. Research indicates that a buck’s lung capacity is directly related to his body size, with larger bucks having greater lung capacity. This is why larger bucks tend to produce more audible snort-wheeze calls during peak breeding season.
Breeding Season and Call Volume
During the peak breeding season, typically mid-November to mid-December, bucks increase the volume and frequency of their snort-wheeze calls. Research suggests that the peak calling activity occurs around 2 weeks before the peak of the breeding season. This increase in call volume is an attempt by bucks to attract does and establish dominance within their territory.
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