When night falls, the world outside often transforms into a symphony of unfamiliar sounds. Among the rustling leaves and distant hums, a common source of confusion for many is distinguishing between the calls of doves and owls. This article will explore the distinct vocalizations and habits of these birds to clarify this frequent misidentification.
The Distinctive Calls of Doves
Doves, particularly the widespread Mourning Dove, are known for their characteristic “coo” sounds. The male Mourning Dove typically produces a soft, mournful call described as “cooooOOOOO-woo-woo-woo” or “coo-ah, coo, coo, coo”. This vocalization serves primarily as a mating call to attract a female or to announce its territory. The gentle, often drawn-out quality of their cooing can sometimes carry and resonate, leading to misinterpretation.
Mourning Doves are primarily active during the day, with their peak vocalization occurring at dawn and dusk. While they may occasionally coo outside of these times, they are not typically active or vocal in the deep of night. The sound their wings make upon takeoff and landing, a distinct whistling noise, can also be a recognizable auditory cue for these birds.
The Nocturnal Sounds of Owls
Owls are largely known for their nocturnal activity, meaning they are most active and vocal during the night. Their calls are diverse, with different species producing a range of distinct sounds. For example, the Great Horned Owl is recognized for its deep, rhythmic hoots, often described as “hoo-h’HOO-hoo-hoo”. These hoots are used to advertise territory and communicate with other owls.
Another common owl, the Barred Owl, has a memorable call often phrased as “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?”. This particular hooting pattern consists of eight to nine notes and can carry well through wooded areas. While hoots are common, owls also produce various other sounds, including screeches, barks, hisses, and even squawks, depending on the species and context.
Telling the Difference: Doves vs. Owls
Distinguishing between dove and owl sounds primarily comes down to two factors: the time of day and the quality of the call. Owls are nocturnal, making their calls most likely to be heard after dark. Doves are diurnal, with their cooing most prevalent at sunrise and sunset.
The quality of the sound also provides clear differentiation. A dove’s call is a soft, mournful coo. In contrast, owl calls are deeper, more resonant, and often have a distinct rhythmic pattern, with Great Horned Owls producing clear hoots and Barred Owls having a specific, question-like cadence. While both birds produce low-pitched sounds, a dove’s coo is fundamentally different in its structure and typical context from an owl’s hoot. Therefore, it is highly improbable for a dove to sound like an owl at night, as their activity patterns and vocal characteristics differ significantly.