A male elk’s characteristic breeding-season call is called a bugle.
Bull elk bugle during the autumn rut to attract females and challenge or intimidate rival males. The call often begins with lower notes and rises into a high, whistling sound, sometimes followed by grunts. A bull may repeat the display for hours, especially when trying to gather or defend a group of females.
Elk bugling is one of North America’s most recognizable wildlife sounds. It travels effectively through forests and mountain valleys, allowing animals to communicate when they cannot see one another. The call also helps listeners estimate the caller’s location and general condition.
“Bugle” is the standard term for elk vocalization, while “roar” is more commonly used for the rutting call of red deer. Elk and red deer are closely related members of the deer family, which explains why their breeding displays can seem similar.