What is the distinctive long call of a male orangutan called?

The distinctive far-carrying vocal display of a male orangutan is called a long call.

Adult male orangutans, especially those with cheek pads and a throat sac, produce long calls that can travel through dense rainforest. The sequence commonly begins with low, bubbling sounds and develops into louder pulses or roars. It can advertise a male’s presence, attract females, and help other males assess where a rival is located.

Orangutans are largely solitary compared with chimpanzees and gorillas, so long-distance signaling is particularly useful. The call can connect individuals across forest areas that are difficult to see through vegetation. Adult males also use other sounds, including kiss-squeaks, grumbles, and soft contact calls.

“Long call” is a general behavioral name, not a claim that every call lasts for one fixed duration. Its structure and intensity vary among individuals and species, including the Bornean and Sumatran orangutans.