Heard some variety of vocalizations over the past few days so thought I might get these down in an ethogram that might be useful for referring to these calls.
Greet bleat = quiet, low-pitched, closed-mouthed, gentle and short “mmmmmm” used when goat sees me approach
Want call = open mouthed, low-pitched, moderately loud “merrr” used when goat sees me or wants something
Moan = frequent, closed-mouthed, moderately loud “mmmmmm” used when goat uncomfortable - can get progressively louder and higher pitched as discomfort increases
Vibrato call = extra vibrato, low, open-mouthed but quiet; my doe does this at the end of a wail when I arrive - maybe she’s pleased to see me! Alternatively she does a short bleat that sounds like “mep”. I have noted added vibrato in the help call. I have read it has a negative valence.
Help call or Isolation bleat = open-mouthed, high pitched, very loud and frequent “maaa maaa” when goat in trouble or isolated (PANIC) (high F0 and F0range)
Wail = long, loud, bleat, varying greatly in pitch - my doe does this when she wants my attention and wants feeding - originally I thought she was in pain and went running to her and found she was fine, so maybe she thinks it’s the way to get me; her son does it when she leaves him and he wants her to come back (high F0range)
Shout = very loud and rough holler, low pitch (sounds like it might hurt the throat (chaotic noise)) sometimes finalizing a long wail
Grumble = bucks make this low, variable, guttural noise to call a female; my doe also made it to her kid just after he was born and she wanted to him to come to her; if I make it to her she pricks up her ears and looks very confused but does not come
Snort = alarm call to warn herd members of possible danger
