Chirping Cheetah

Chirping Cheetah

 

Cheetahs are my favourite animals – I like their streamlined beauty and the fact that they are the fastest mammal on earth with an acceleration that puts any fancy sportscar to shame. I also like them because of their quirks – they are so specialised for speed that when it comes to strength they pretty much lose out to all other large predators. They are also the only big cat that can purr constantly (an amazing sound – think of a domestic cat with amplifiers!). And they also chirp. Yes, exactly like a bird. I just can’t get over the fact that this fast, large predator lets out these adorable high pitched chirps. I photographed this young male mid-chirp in Samburu. It was my first visit to this park and I loved it. I will make it a point to return sometime in the future, and spend more than 3 nights this time! Stay tuned for more photos from Samburu, especially for photos of the unique species inhabiting this area.

Techs: Canon 5D Mark III | Canon 200-400 f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X @560mm | f5.6 | 1/800s | ISO 1600

There are 2 comments

  1. Laureen

    Wonderful! They are such gorgeous creatures, and it is hilarious that they chirp, rather than meow (or roar).

    • admin

      Thank you Laureen – I find animal noises as fascinating as their visuals, especially something as unexpected as this :)


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