Owls are captivating nocturnal birds, recognized for the distinct sounds they produce at night. Their vocalizations often spark curiosity about what these sounds signify. Hearing an owl’s call can be a striking experience, leading many to wonder about the specific types of sounds they make and the messages they convey. This exploration delves into the diverse auditory world of owls, deciphering their various calls and the reasons behind them.
Decoding Owl Vocalizations
While the classic “hoot” is widely associated with owls, their vocal repertoire extends far beyond this single sound. Owls employ a variety of calls, including screeches, whistles, barks, hisses, and clicks, each varying in pitch, rhythm, and timbre. These diverse vocalizations serve as a primary means of communication in their nocturnal environments. The specific sounds produced depend on the owl species, with some being “tooters” and others “screechers”.
Some vocalizations can be wavering cries, while others might resemble growls or barks. Beyond vocal calls, owls also use non-vocal sounds like beak snapping and wing clapping for communication.
Common Night Owls and Their Calls
Different owl species possess unique vocalizations that help distinguish them in the night. The Great Horned Owl produces a deep, soft hoot with a stuttering rhythm, often described as “hoo-h’HOO-hoo-hoo”. The male’s hoots are typically lower in pitch than the female’s, and mated pairs often engage in duets, alternating calls. This rhythmic hooting can carry for miles, becoming a quintessential sound of the night in many areas.
The Barred Owl is recognized by its distinctive hooting call, which sounds like “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?”. This call consists of eight to nine notes, often delivered in two rhythmic phrases, with the final syllable drawn out. During courtship, Barred Owls may also engage in riotous duets of cackles, hoots, caws, and gurgles, creating a cacophony of sounds.
Eastern Screech-Owls, despite their name, do not typically screech. Their most common vocalizations include an even-pitched trill, often called a “bounce song” or tremolo, and a shrill, descending whinny. The whinny is frequently compared to the sound of a miniature horse.
Barn Owls are known for their vocalizations, distinct from the hoots of many other owl species. They typically emit a long, harsh scream or raspy shriek that can last about two seconds. This sound is often used by males to invite a female to a nest site, and by females to beg for food. When agitated or threatened, Barn Owls may also produce loud, three to four-second hisses.
Why Owls Vocalize
Owls use their diverse vocalizations for several specific purposes, primarily centered around communication within their species. A prominent reason for vocalizing is to establish and defend territory. Male owls often hoot to announce their presence and warn other owls to stay away from their claimed hunting grounds and nesting sites. This territorial marking is important during breeding seasons when owls are more protective of their space.
Vocalizations also play a significant role in attracting mates and strengthening pair bonds. Male owls use calls to attract females, and in many species, mated pairs engage in duets, calling back and forth to maintain contact and reinforce their relationship. For instance, the female Great Horned Owl’s call is higher in pitch than the male’s, allowing them to distinguish each other during these duets.
Owls communicate with their offspring through various calls. Chicks often use begging calls, such as screeches, to signal to their parents that they are hungry when food is brought to the nest. These sounds ensure the young receive necessary nourishment. Additionally, owls use calls to signal alarm or distress, warning others of potential threats or predators. Short, sharp barks or shrieks can deter intruders or indicate danger nearby.