While owls are known for their distinctive hoots, several other bird species produce vocalizations easily mistaken for an owl’s call. This article identifies some of these birds and explains how to distinguish their sounds from actual owl hoots.
Birds with Owl-Like Hoots
The Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) is often mistaken for an owl due to its soft, mournful cooing. This bird produces a drawn-out vocalization, often described as “cooOOoo-woo-woo-woooo” or a five-note melancholy coo. Male Mourning Doves primarily use this sound as a “wooing” call to attract a mate.
The Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) also has similar vocalizations. This species has rapidly expanded its range across North America. Its call is a deep, repeated “kuk-kooooo-kuk” or “goo-GOO-goo,” emphasizing the middle syllable. While doves are a common source of confusion, actual owls also hoot. For example, the Barred Owl’s call is an eight- or nine-note hoot often phrased as “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?” Great Horned Owls produce deep, soft hoots that vary in pattern.
Distinguishing Hooting Calls
Distinguishing these sounds involves several key distinctions. The time of day is a significant factor. Mourning Doves are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, with cooing most frequent around dawn and dusk. Owls are primarily nocturnal, making their hoots more commonly heard after nightfall. A hooting sound during daylight hours strongly indicates a Mourning Dove.
Call pattern and rhythm offer important clues. The Mourning Dove’s coo is typically a four-part, drawn-out, repetitive sound. The Eurasian Collared-Dove’s “koo-KOO-kook” is generally shorter and more insistent. Owl hoots, like those from a Barred Owl, are often sharper, more guttural, and less melodic than dove coos. Owl hoots follow a structured series of notes, unlike the continuous, mournful tone of doves.
Tone and pitch also aid identification. Mourning Doves produce a soft, low-pitched sound, giving their call a mournful quality. Owl hoots range from the deep, resonant calls of larger species like the Great Horned Owl to sharper hoots from other owl types. Location and context also provide hints. Mourning Doves are often heard in open areas, backyards, and suburban environments, while owls are typically found in denser wooded habitats.
The Purpose of Hooting Sounds
Bird vocalizations, including hoots and coos, serve multiple biological functions. One primary purpose is territorial defense. Birds use calls to mark and protect breeding or feeding areas from rivals. A distinct vocalization signals an occupied territory, reducing confrontations.
Vocalizations also attract mates. Male birds use calls as a courtship display, signaling their quality to potential partners. The male Mourning Dove’s coo, for instance, entices a mate. For owls, synchronized hooting between a pair reinforces their bond and announces their status to other owls.
Beyond territorial claims and mate attraction, hooting sounds facilitate general communication. These vocalizations include alarm calls to warn of predators or contact calls to maintain cohesion within a flock or between breeding pairs. Calls convey important information, allowing birds to interact effectively within their environment and social structures.