What is the friendly vocalization called when used by tigers?

Tigers produce vocalizations in the hyoid apparatus, a collective term used in veterinary anatomy for the bones which suspend the tongue and larynx. It is located in the oral cavity, gradually opening and closing the mouth.

The variety of vocalizations can be a roar, a purr, grunts, blows and others. A tiger’s roar is different depending on its purpose. A roar used to warn another tiger to stay out of its territory is an example. Females have one call for their cubs described as a moaning to encourage the cubs to follow directions and to try new maneuvers. Males may use a moaning sound during the courting process to make females feel relaxed and females will use moaning to signal to males that they are ready to mate.

Tigers can also make a friendly sound, a ‘puff’-like sound called a ‘prusten’. It is also called chuffing or chuffed (verb and noun) described as as short, low intensity, non-threatening sound. In order to vocalize a chuff, the tiger’s mouth is closed and air is blown through the nostrils, producing a breathy snort.