Do newts "chirp"?

[em]

I'm not sure if this is normal behavior, or if it is indicative of something more serious. I looked through Caudata Culture, and didn't see anything related to "chirping" so I figured I would ask here.

So, do Cynops orientalis newts chirp or make any other kind of vocalization? I've been keeping C. orientalis newts for 9 years now, and have never heard a "chirp."

I've been monitoring my newts like a hawk lately, and today, one of them seemed to open her mouth (relatively wide) and make some kind of noise that I can only describe as a chirp. I was originally thinking "Oh dear, I seem to be plagued with newt diseases, and they're all hitting at once" so I browsed through Common Illnesses in Amphbians. The only symptom that seemed to match an illness was Spring Disease; however, there was no sign of lethargy or skin discoloration/color loss. And though I can't watch my newts 24/7, the "yawning" didn't seem to be excessive. What would count as excessive yawning in newts? Maybe she just burped?

(9 years of newt-keeping, and never had a problem. Bah! Seems they're all hitting now...grrrr, rotten luck)

 

[joan]

Some newts make small squeaking or chirping sounds, but they're not vocalizations. They're usually caused by the caudate forcing air from their lungs, such as they would with a snap sideways for food, or when trying to escape a predator (actual or imagined).

Yawning is normal. I don't have mine in a visible area, but I catch them yawning on occasion.

 

[jameswei]

Ive heard my firebellies chirp before, its a very small adn slight squeak. Mnay forum members have heard their newts chirp. It's really nothing special, and like an accidental burp. Though chirpign newts would addd a new meaning of cool to this hobby.

 

[em]

Oooohh, wonderful!

I was afraid something was wrong!

Phew!

 

[jeff]

I just heard one of my Taricha granulosas "chirp" as I read your post and hear them do it on almost a daily basis, so it's not uncommon.