One of the most recognizable and mysterious sounds in the natural world is the call of an owl. These nocturnal birds have long fascinated humans with their haunting vocalizations, which can echo through forests, fields, and even suburban neighborhoods. The sound an owl makes is called a ‘hoot,’ but that term only scratches the surface. Owls produce a variety of vocal sounds that differ depending on the species, situation, and purpose. From eerie screeches to soft trills, owl calls serve as communication tools for territory defense, mating, and identification. Understanding what an owl sound is called opens a fascinating window into the behavior and biology of these enigmatic birds.
Different Owl Sounds and What They Are Called
The word hoot is often used as a general term for owl sounds, but it doesn’t fully encompass the diverse range of vocalizations these birds use. Each type of sound has a specific purpose, and the vocabulary describing owl calls includes terms such as hooting, screeching, trilling, and barking.
Hooting
Hooting is the most commonly associated sound with owls, especially the Great Horned Owl and the Tawny Owl. This low, deep sound typically follows a rhythmic pattern, such as hoo-hoo-hoo-hooo. It is used primarily for communication between mates and for marking territory. The hoot often carries a long distance through the night air.
Screeching
Some owls, like the Barn Owl and Eastern Screech Owl, are known more for their harsh, high-pitched screeches than hoots. A screech is a sharp, eerie call that can sound almost like a scream. It is often used to warn others or to startle potential predators. In some cultures, this sound adds to the owl’s reputation as a mystical or ghostly creature.
Trilling and Whistling
Other owls, such as the Burrowing Owl, produce a rapid trill or whistling sound. These calls are often used in close communication, such as between mates or parents and chicks. A trill is softer and more subtle than a hoot or screech, but it plays a crucial role in social bonding and territory behavior.
Barking and Growling
Certain owls are capable of making barking or growling sounds, especially when they feel threatened. These vocalizations are less common but serve as defense mechanisms or warnings. Barking sounds are short, abrupt, and deep, while growls are low and prolonged. Both are signs that an owl is agitated or trying to ward off intruders.
Why Owls Make These Sounds
Owl sounds are not random. Each vocalization serves a specific function that contributes to the survival and reproduction of the species. From marking territory to attracting a mate, owl calls are a sophisticated form of communication.
Territorial Claims
Many owls are highly territorial. Their calls let other owls know that a certain area is claimed. The hooting of a male owl, for example, is often a message to competitors that the space is occupied and defended. In densely populated owl habitats, these vocal boundaries help reduce physical confrontations.
Mate Attraction and Bonding
During mating season, vocalizations increase as owls search for partners. A male will call repeatedly to advertise his presence, strength, and suitability as a mate. Once paired, owls may use softer sounds, including trills and coos, to maintain their bond. These intimate vocalizations can continue throughout nesting and chick-rearing.
Alarm and Defense
When an owl is alarmed, it may produce a screech, hiss, or bark to warn predators or signal danger to nearby owls. These defensive sounds are designed to intimidate and confuse, helping the owl escape or deter threats. Young owls may also hiss when frightened.
Communication with Chicks
Parent owls and their young also rely on vocal communication. Chicks beg for food with high-pitched cries, while adults may use soft calls to guide or comfort their offspring. These sounds help maintain safety and coordination within the nest.
Different Owl Species and Their Sounds
Not all owls sound the same. In fact, their calls vary significantly by species. Here are some examples of common owls and the unique sounds they make:
- Great Horned Owl: Famous for its deep, resonating hoo-hoo calls, usually in a five-note rhythm.
- Barn Owl: Emits an unearthly screech rather than a hoot, often compared to a human scream.
- Eastern Screech Owl: Produces a high-pitched, descending whinny followed by a soft trill.
- Tawny Owl: Known for its classic twit-twoo call, though this is actually a duet between male and female.
- Barred Owl: Recognized by the phrase Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?
When and Where Owls Call
Owl calls are most often heard during the night, which is when most owl species are active. However, not all owls are strictly nocturnal. Some, like the Burrowing Owl or Northern Hawk Owl, may call during daylight hours as well.
Seasonal Patterns
Owls tend to vocalize more during the breeding season, which varies by region and species. In temperate zones, this is typically from late winter to early spring. During this time, calls increase dramatically as owls establish territories and look for mates.
Habitat Influence
Where you hear owl sounds depends on the owl’s preferred habitat. Forest-dwelling species such as the Barred Owl are often heard in woodlands, while Barn Owls may call from open fields or barns. Urban parks, farmlands, and even deserts can also host owl populations with distinctive calls.
How to Identify Owl Sounds
For bird enthusiasts and nature lovers, identifying owl sounds can be an exciting challenge. Here are some tips to help distinguish them:
- Listen for pattern and rhythm hoots usually follow a repeated structure.
- Pay attention to pitch screeches and hisses are higher and more intense.
- Consider the environment and time of day different owls call from different habitats.
- Use field guides or audio apps to compare recordings of various species.
The sound an owl makes is called a hoot, but that is just one aspect of their vocal repertoire. Owls produce a wide range of calls including screeches, trills, whistles, barks, and growls. These sounds are rich in meaning and serve crucial roles in owl behavior and communication. Understanding owl vocalizations not only deepens our appreciation for these fascinating creatures but also enhances our connection with the natural world. Whether heard in the quiet of night or during a walk in the woods, an owl’s call remains one of nature’s most unforgettable voices.