Owls are widely recognized for their distinctive hooting. While synonymous with owls, not all owl species hoot, and those that do exhibit a variety of unique calls. Owl sounds, including hoots, serve various purposes.
The Purpose of Owl Vocalizations
Owl vocalizations serve multiple communication roles. A primary function of hooting is territorial defense, declaring occupancy of an area to deter rivals. Male owls often use their calls to attract mates, with females responding to reinforce pair bonds. They also facilitate communication between partners, especially during nesting and food delivery. Beyond territory and mating, owls vocalize to warn off predators or signal alarm.
Common Hooting Owl Species
Several owl species are known for their hoots. The Great Horned Owl, widespread across the Americas, produces deep, resonant hoots. The Barred Owl, found in eastern North America and expanding westward, is another prominent hooter. Its vocalizations are distinct and often described with human-like mnemonics. The Northern Spotted Owl, inhabiting the Pacific Northwest’s mature forests, also uses hooting.
Deciphering Specific Owl Hoots
Great Horned Owls produce deep, soft hoots, typically “hoo-h’HOO-hoo-hoo.” Males and females may duet, with the female’s call noticeably higher due to a smaller syrinx. This hooting advertises territories and can be heard over distances, especially during early nesting season.
The Barred Owl has a powerful vocal array; its most common call is an eight-accented hoot, “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?” Both sexes use this distinctive call, with females typically having a higher pitch, prevalent during the breeding season for territorial establishment and mate attraction. Barred Owls also produce other sounds like cackles, hoots, caws, and gurgles, especially during courtship.
Northern Spotted Owls utilize a signal call consisting of a series of four hooted notes, with the middle two notes closest together. These hoots have a deep, pure tone, and like other species, the female’s voice is higher than the male’s. This hooting pattern is used by adult males and females to mark and defend their territory, and by males when delivering food to females. They also make other hooting, barking, and whistling calls.
Beyond the Hoot: Other Owl Sounds
While hooting is a signature sound for many, not all owls primarily hoot, and some species rarely do so. Barn Owls, for instance, do not hoot but instead produce a long, harsh scream or shriek, particularly the male during flight or when attracting a mate. They also make hissing or “snoring” sounds, especially as juveniles begging for food.
Eastern Screech-Owls, despite their name, do not commonly screech but are known for an even-pitched trill, often called a “tremolo,” and a shrill, descending whinny. The tremolo is used by pairs for contact, while the whinny serves to defend territories. Many owls also produce bill-snapping sounds as a threat display or when agitated. Young owls across various species often make piercing screams or high-pitched begging calls when seeking food from their parents.