what does a penguin sound like

Most penguins don’t “quack” like ducks – they make a mix of chirps, trills, squawks, growls, and even brays, depending on the species.

Short answer

A penguin can sound like:

• High-pitched chirps and peeps.
• Rolling trills and squawks.
• Low growls and croaks.
• A donkey‑like bray (especially African “jackass” penguins).

Mini guide to common penguin sounds

• Emperor penguins – Deep, resonant “trumpeting” calls used to find mates and chicks in big colonies.

• Adélie penguins – Sharp, high‑pitched peeps and chirps, especially in busy nesting areas.

• African penguins – Famous for a loud braying call that really does sound like a donkey; this is why they’re nicknamed “jackass penguins”.

• Chinstrap penguins – Rough croaks and chirps, sometimes described as frog‑like.

• Gentoo penguins – Softer chirps, whistles, and sometimes hisses during close‑up squabbles.

In big colonies, these calls act like a personal ringtone so mates and chicks can pick out one bird’s voice among thousands.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.