It is common to hear sounds resembling an owl’s hoot during daylight hours, even though most owls are primarily active at night. This often leads to curiosity about which birds produce such calls when owls are typically resting. While true owls are nocturnal predators, several other bird species emit vocalizations easily mistaken for an owl’s characteristic hoot or coo. These daytime sounds often indicate a different avian resident.
Birds That Mimic Owl Sounds
One of the most frequent daytime callers mistaken for an owl is the Mourning Dove. Its characteristic call is a soft, mournful cooing sound, often described as “coo-OO-oo-coo-coo,” resembling the gentle hoot of some smaller owl species. These doves are common across various habitats, from suburban gardens to open woodlands.
Another bird frequently confused with owls is the Eurasian Collared-Dove, widespread in North America after its introduction. Its call is a repetitive “koo-KOO-kook,” with the middle note emphasized, creating a rhythmic, owl-like sound. Identifying features include pale gray plumage, a black half-collar, and a square tail.
The Yellow-billed Cuckoo, an elusive bird of dense thickets, also produces rapid, low-pitched “kow-kow-kow” notes. These can sometimes be mistaken for an owl’s vocalization, particularly its longer, slower calls.
While most owls are nocturnal, the Barred Owl occasionally calls during the day, especially on cloudy days or in deeply shaded forests. Its distinctive “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?” hooting sequence is loud and can be heard at any time. Recognized by its large size, round head, and dark eyes, its presence during daylight hours can be a daytime owl sighting.
Why These Sounds Are Confused with Owls
The acoustic characteristics of many bird calls contribute to their confusion with owl hoots. Birds mistaken for owls often produce low-frequency sounds, a trait commonly associated with resonant owl calls. This lower pitch allows sounds to travel well through dense foliage and over distances, making them seem more mysterious and owl-like.
The patterns of these calls often involve repetitive hooting or cooing sequences. This rhythmic repetition, whether a steady series of notes or a distinct phrase, mimics the predictable nature of owl vocalizations. The resonant quality of these sounds, often described as hollow or booming, also contributes to the misidentification. These shared acoustic features make it challenging for an untrained ear to distinguish between a true owl and a daytime mimic.
How to Identify the Real Caller
Identifying the true source of an owl-like sound during the day involves paying close attention to auditory and contextual cues. Listen carefully to the rhythm and number of hoots or coos. A Mourning Dove’s call is generally a four-note coo, and a Eurasian Collared-Dove’s is a three-note “koo-KOO-kook.” A Barred Owl’s call is a more complex eight or nine-note sequence. Noticing these precise patterns helps differentiate the caller.
Consider the time of day and habitat. While some owls call during the day, persistent “owl” sounds in open, suburban areas are likely doves. Conversely, a complex, strong hoot from a dense forest could signify a Barred Owl. Visual observation provides the most definitive identification. Look for size, plumage color, and flight patterns, as doves and cuckoos are smaller and have different flight characteristics than owls.