Many bird calls at night or dusk sound remarkably like an owl, leading some to wonder if an owl is nearby. Bird vocalizations are diverse, and many species produce sounds that can be easily mistaken for owl hoots, trills, or screeches. Understanding the unique calls of various birds helps distinguish between a true owl and a vocal mimic.
Birds That Mimic Owl Sounds
Several bird species are frequently mistaken for owls due to their vocalizations. The Mourning Dove is a common culprit, known for its mournful cooing that often sounds like a soft hoot. Their call, typically described as “cooOOoo-wooooo-woo-woo,” can be confusing as they sometimes vocalize after dark or before sunrise. Mourning Doves are primarily diurnal, but their occasional nighttime sounds contribute to the confusion.
Nightjars, a family of nocturnal birds, are another group whose calls are frequently misidentified as owls. Species like the Eastern Whip-poor-will and Chuck-will’s-widow are named for their distinctive, repetitive calls. These birds are active at night, inhabiting forested areas, which adds to the mistaken identity.
Certain pigeons, such as the Band-tailed Pigeon and Rock Pigeon, also produce deep “hoo-hoo” sounds similar to some owls. Steller’s Jays can also mimic a variety of sounds, including calls that resemble an owl’s shriek or harsh calls.
Identifying True Owl Calls
True owl calls exhibit a wide range of sounds, from the classic hoots to screeches, trills, and barks, differing significantly between species. The Great Horned Owl produces a deep, resonant hoot often characterized as “hoo, hoo-hoo, hoo, hoo.”
The Barred Owl’s call is distinctive, often translated as “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?”, consisting of two rhythmic phrases. Unlike many owls, Barred Owls are frequently heard during the day in addition to night. Barn Owls do not hoot but instead emit a harsh, raspy, drawn-out screech. This piercing sound is used for communication.
Eastern Screech-Owls produce a descending, horse-like whinny or a monotonic trill rather than a hoot. Western Screech-Owls have a different call, a series of hoots that accelerate, resembling a bouncing ball. Smaller owls, like the Northern Saw-whet Owl, emit repetitive, whistle-like “toot-toot-toot” calls.
Tips for Bird Call Identification
Identifying bird calls accurately involves more than just recognizing the sound itself. The time of day a call is heard offers clues; while owls are largely nocturnal, some species, like the Barred Owl, are active during the day. Conversely, some diurnal birds, such as Mourning Doves, may vocalize at dawn or dusk.
Habitat also plays a significant role in identification. Owls typically inhabit wooded areas or forests, while birds like Mourning Doves are common in populated areas, including backyards and urban environments. Paying attention to the pattern, rhythm, and repetition of a call helps differentiate species. For example, a Barred Owl’s call is a structured phrase, while a Barn Owl’s is a continuous screech.
Modern resources enhance bird call identification skills. Bird identification apps, such as Merlin Bird ID or BirdNET, allow users to record sounds and receive real-time suggestions for species based on their vocalizations. Listening to recordings of common birds in your area and comparing them to live sounds is helpful. Attending local birding events or joining a bird club can provide opportunities to learn from experienced birdwatchers.