Owls, mysterious creatures of the night, sometimes appear to exhibit behaviors humans might interpret as “crying.” This perception often stems from their unique vocalizations or physical reactions. While humans shed tears emotionally and produce specific sounds when distressed, owls express themselves differently for various biological purposes. Understanding these distinctions reveals the non-human nature of owl communication and physiology.
Owl Tears: A Physiological Perspective
Owls produce tears, but not as an emotional display like humans. Their eyes, like those of many animals, are constantly lubricated by a tear film. This fluid is produced by lacrimal glands around the eye. Tears serve a physiological function, keeping the surface of the eye moist, clean, and free from debris.
The composition of owl tears is similar to human tears, containing water, electrolytes, and other substances. Research indicates that owl tears may contain higher levels of urea and protein compared to human tears. These tears maintain ocular health and clear vision, forming a protective barrier and aiding in nutrient delivery to the cornea. Owls lack the specific tear ducts and neurological pathways that in humans lead to emotional weeping; their tear production is purely for biological maintenance, not sorrow.
The True Sounds of Owls: Vocalizations and Their Meanings
Owls are vocal birds, using diverse sounds for various communication purposes. Their vocalizations include hoots, screeches, hisses, barks, trills, chirps, chatters, coos, and squawks. The classic hoot is used by males for territorial claims and attracting mates. Different species have distinct hoot patterns, such as the Great Horned Owl’s rhythmic “hoo-hoo-hooooo” or the Barred Owl’s “who cooks for you, who cooks for you-all” call.
Some owl sounds can be unsettling to human ears, leading to misinterpretations of “crying.” Barn owls, for instance, are known for their high-pitched, raspy shrieks, which can sound like a scream. These piercing sounds serve as alarm calls, warning others of danger, or are used in territorial disputes. Young owls also use screeching calls when begging for food from their parents. Other vocalizations, such as hisses and bill-snapping, are defensive warnings.
Interpreting Owl Behavior
Beyond vocalizations, owls exhibit body language indicating distress or fear. When threatened, an owl may adopt a “tall thin posture,” compressing its feathers tightly and extending ear tufts to appear less visible or blend into its surroundings. Conversely, some owls might puff up their feathers and spread their wings to appear larger and more intimidating to a perceived threat.
Other signs of agitation include rapid blinking or squinting, which can signal a desire for an intruder to retreat. Hissing and bill-snapping are defensive behaviors, serving as direct warnings before a physical confrontation. In extreme stress, an owl might pant or even feign death. These behaviors are innate responses to environmental stimuli, reflecting physiological states rather than human emotions like sorrow or despair.