The barn owl, with its distinctive heart-shaped face and silent flight, is a captivating nocturnal bird found across much of the globe. While many owl species are recognized for their characteristic “hoot,” the barn owl’s vocalizations are surprisingly different and can often be startling, offering a unique auditory experience in the night. Understanding these sounds provides insight into the barn owl’s communication and behavior.
Unique Vocalizations of the Barn Owl
Barn owls possess a diverse range of vocalizations, distinct from the familiar hoot of other owl species. Their most common sound is a harsh, drawn-out screech or shriek. This high-pitched call can last approximately one to two seconds and is often described as eerie or haunting, sometimes resembling a rasping hiss. This distinctive sound has even led to the barn owl being colloquially referred to as a “screech owl,” despite a separate species officially bearing that name.
Beyond the prominent screech, barn owls also produce various hisses. These can be loud and extended, sometimes lasting three to four seconds. In addition, young owlets are known for their repetitive, high-pitched begging calls, which are often described as distinctive rasping or snore-like sounds.
Adult barn owls also use softer sounds for close-range communication. These include purring or cooing sounds, which have a gentle tone. They also produce chirrups, twitters, and chittering noises, particularly in interactions between mates or parents and their young. When agitated or threatened, barn owls may also create clicking sounds by clacking their beaks together, serving as a distinct warning.
Reasons for Barn Owl Sounds
The various vocalizations of the barn owl serve specific purposes within their social and territorial interactions. The piercing screech, for instance, functions as a multi-purpose call. Males frequently use this long, harsh sound during flight or from a perching spot to attract a mate, with the pitch potentially increasing during breeding season to indicate fitness. It also serves as a territorial declaration, warning other owls or potential threats that an area is occupied, particularly common during the breeding season. Females may also screech to signal their desire for food from a male.
Hissing sounds are primarily a defensive mechanism. When a barn owl feels threatened, especially if its nest is disturbed, it will emit a loud, drawn-out hiss to deter intruders or predators. This sound can mimic that of a snake, potentially startling a threat. Young owlets also utilize a high-pitched hiss as a begging call, signaling to their parents that they are hungry and need food.
The unique snore-like or rasping sounds are almost exclusively associated with hungry barn owl chicks at the nest. These persistent calls ensure parents are aware of their offspring’s need for food. Softer vocalizations, such as purring or cooing, are typically heard during courtship, as males invite females to inspect potential nest sites. These more intimate sounds, along with chirrups and twitters, facilitate communication between mated pairs and between parents and their offspring, such as when food is delivered. Finally, the bill-clacking sound is a clear threat display, used to warn off perceived dangers.