Barn owls do not hoot like many other owl species. Instead, they produce distinct sounds characteristic of their species, such as screeches and hisses. This unique auditory repertoire sets them apart, often leading to their nickname, “screech owl”. Understanding these vocalizations helps clarify what one might hear from a barn owl in its natural habitat.
The Unique Vocalizations of Barn Owls
Barn owls are known for their signature screech, a harsh, drawn-out shriek lasting about two seconds. This sound is often described as resembling a rasping hiss or a “shreee”. They also employ other sounds. They produce hisses, particularly when threatened or disturbed, which can be a loud, prolonged sound to deter intruders.
Additional vocalizations include clicks, soft chirps, and twittering sounds. Young owlets in the nest can make sounds resembling snoring or puppy-like noises. These diverse sounds contrast sharply with the deeper, resonant hoots of other owl species, highlighting the barn owl’s distinctive auditory communication.
The Purpose Behind Their Sounds
Barn owl vocalizations serve various functions. The piercing screech is used for territorial defense, warning off other owls or potential threats. It also functions as an alarm call when danger is sensed. Males often emit this screech during the breeding season to attract a mate and invite a female to inspect a nest site.
During courtship, males may also make softer, purring-like sounds. Young owlets use persistent hissing or snoring sounds as begging calls to solicit food from their parents. Family communication, such as between parents and owlets or among siblings, involves less harsh sounds like chittering or twittering, signaling discomfort or a desire for attention. Owlets even use vocalizations to negotiate food access, with hungrier siblings making longer or more frequent calls.
Comparing Barn Owl Calls to Other Owls
The common misconception that barn owls hoot stems from many other owl species doing so. For example, the Great Horned Owl is known for its deep, soft hoots, often in a rhythmic pattern like “hoo-hoo hooooo hoo-hoo”.
Breeding pairs of Great Horned Owls often perform duets, with the female’s call higher in pitch than the male’s. Similarly, the Barred Owl has a distinctive hooting call, commonly translated as “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?”.
This eight-to-nine-note pattern is a classic sound in eastern North American forests, used for territorial defense and attracting mates. In contrast, barn owls stand apart from these hooting species, relying on screeches, hisses, and other non-hooting sounds for communication.