Hearing soft, repetitive cooing at night often prompts questions about its source. Identifying the creature behind these nocturnal vocalizations involves understanding which animals are active after dark and the specific sounds they make. This article explores the primary sources of cooing and other sounds that might be mistaken for it.
The Primary Source: Doves and Pigeons
Doves and pigeons frequently produce cooing sounds, often heard at night or in the very early morning hours. Mourning Doves, common across North America, are well-known for their gentle, mournful coo, typically described as a soft “coo-ah, coo, coo, coo” or “cooooOOOOO-woo-woo-woo.” This distinctive call is primarily made by male Mourning Doves to attract mates, especially during their breeding season from February to October. While largely diurnal, Mourning Doves may extend their cooing into the night, particularly around dawn and dusk, or sometimes even throughout the night.
Eurasian Collared-Doves, another widespread species, produce a repetitive three-syllable coo, often described as “goo-GOO-goo” with emphasis on the second syllable. Their cooing can be persistent and may be heard at various times, including during the night. Reasons for nighttime cooing in doves include mating calls, territorial defense, communication within a group, or even disruptions from artificial lighting in urban areas that can confuse their natural sleep cycles. The quiet of the night can make their otherwise gentle calls more noticeable than during the day when other sounds are present.
Other Nocturnal Sounds Often Mistaken for Cooing
While doves are the primary source, other nocturnal animals produce vocalizations sometimes mistaken for cooing. Owls, for instance, make distinct nighttime calls. The Great Horned Owl produces deep, soft hoots with a rhythmic pattern, often described as “hoo hoooo hoo hoo.” These resonant hoots can be mistaken for cooing.
Barred Owls have a distinct hooting call of eight to nine notes, often phrased as “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?” While not a true coo, the melodic and repetitive nature of some owl calls can be perceived as similar. Certain frog species also contribute to the nocturnal soundscape. American Bullfrogs emit a loud, low-pitched, two-part drone or bellow, often described as “jug-o’-rum,” which can resemble a foghorn. Spring Peepers, tiny tree frogs, produce a high-pitched, repetitive “peep” sound, sometimes compared to sleigh bells, which can create a melodic chorus that might be misinterpreted as soft cooing, especially when many are calling together.
Reasons for Nighttime Vocalizations
Animals vocalize at night for reasons tied to survival and reproduction. Attracting a mate is a primary driver, with many species using distinct calls to signal their presence during breeding seasons. Male doves, for example, coo to advertise their presence to potential female partners. This is effective at night when quiet allows calls to travel further.
Territorial defense is another purpose for nighttime vocalizations. Animals use sounds to warn off rivals and assert claims over an area, especially during nesting or breeding. Owls hoot to announce their territory, and male bullfrogs use calls to deter other males. Communication within a species or group, such as establishing contact or signaling presence, also occurs.
Tips for Identifying Nighttime Sounds
Identifying nocturnal animal sounds requires careful observation. Listen for specific patterns and repetition; for example, owl hoots differ from dove coos. Note the sound’s duration and rhythm, as species have unique vocalization styles. Observing the sound’s location—from the ground, a tree, or a rooftop—can also help narrow possibilities.
The time of night offers further hints, as some animals are more active during specific nocturnal periods. Use online resources like bird call databases to compare unknown sounds to known vocalizations. Sound identification applications, such as Merlin Bird ID or ChirpOMatic, allow users to record a sound and receive real-time species suggestions.