The classic, booming “who-who” sound associated with a nocturnal bird is the signature vocalization of the Barred Owl (Strix varia). This widespread North American species is the true source of the familiar hooting that carries through the night air. While many owl species hoot, the Barred Owl produces a distinct, patterned call.
The Barred Owl and Its Signature Sound
The Barred Owl’s primary vocalization is a distinct, eight-to-nine-hoot phrase commonly translated as, “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?”. This call is delivered in two rhythmic phrases, with the second phrase often trailing off with a downward inflection, giving it a questioning tone. The sequence is loud and somewhat coarse, sometimes described as having a rough or kazoo-like quality.
This vocal pattern serves multiple functions, primarily territorial defense and communication between mates. Males use this hooting to advertise their presence and warn rivals away from hunting grounds. Mated pairs often engage in vocal duets, where one bird calls and the other responds, reinforcing their pair bond.
Barred Owls have a varied vocabulary that includes a wide range of other sounds beyond the famous hoot. They are also known for producing a startling series of shrieks, gurgles, and cackles, sometimes referred to as a “caterwauling” or “laughing” call. These dramatic vocalizations are often heard during intense territorial disputes or courtship displays.
Where Barred Owls Live and How They Look
The Barred Owl is a large, stocky bird, typically measuring 17 to 20 inches in length with a wingspan of over three feet. A distinguishing visual characteristic is its large, round head, which completely lacks the feather tufts, or “ears,” seen on other common owl species. The owl’s eyes are dark brown to black, setting it apart from many other North American owls, which typically have yellow eyes.
The plumage is a mottled gray-brown and white pattern, earning the species its name from the barring visible on its body. The upper breast is marked with horizontal brown bars, while the belly feathers are streaked with vertical brown markings. This coloration provides excellent camouflage against the bark of trees.
Barred Owls primarily inhabit large, mature forests, favoring areas with dense foliage and often near water sources like swamps or wooded wetlands. Their geographic range covers most of the eastern United States and parts of southern Canada, and it has been expanding westward. Unlike strictly nocturnal owls, the Barred Owl is often active and will call or hunt during the day.
Comparing the Barred Owl Hoot to Other Owls
The Barred Owl’s patterned call is readily distinguishable from the hoots of other large owls, most notably the Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus). The Great Horned Owl’s hoot is deeper in pitch and less conversational, typically consisting of a rhythmic series of four to five notes: “hoo-hoo-hooo hoo-hoo”. This call is often described as a muted bassoon sound, lacking the rough, questioning inflection characteristic of the Barred Owl.
The Great Horned Owl is also a more widely distributed species across North America and is generally considered more aggressive and slightly larger than the Barred Owl. While both species are commonly referred to as “hoot owls,” the difference in their vocal patterns is pronounced, serving as the most reliable way to identify them by sound alone.
Another common species, the Eastern Screech Owl (Megascops asio), does not produce a true hoot at all. Its most common vocalizations are an even-pitched, eerie trill, sometimes called a tremolo, and a shrill, descending whinny. These sounds are high-pitched and completely lack the deep, resonant quality of the Barred Owl’s hoot.
The distinction between these calls is important for identification, as the Barred Owl’s complex, eight-part rhythm stands out from the shorter, simpler hoots of its larger relative and the non-hooting calls of the smaller screech owl.