The most common sounds you’ll hear from owls include hoots, whines, barks, screeches, or hisses. As a result, getting used to hearing them everywhere you go is essential. Owls use these sounds for different purposes, such as territorial calls and defense calls, among others.
The Different Noises Owls Make
Territorial Calls
Owls’ territorial calls are diverse and unique to each owl species and can be used for various purposes. For example, some owls use their calls to communicate, while others use them to find food or navigate their surroundings. Understanding these sounds can help you identify an owl if you hear one in the wild.
Additionally, owls are masters of sound and use it for navigation, communication, and predator detection.
Attacking a Predator (Defense Calls)
Owls are one of the most common predators in North America. As such, they are natural inhabitants of many parts of the continent. If approached, remember that owls are wild animals and should be treated.
If you do encounter an owl, remember their defense calls. These calls can help you identify the owl and determine whether or not to confront it. If you’re ever in doubt about what to do, remember that the best course of action is to back away and avoid any conflict.
Feeling Surprised or Threatened
Every owl knows how to make a great impression. They may screech and flap their wings to scare away predators, but that’s how owls protect themselves. If you hear an owl in your area, don’t be afraid – it’s just doing what owls do! Most of the time, owls will hoot and howl to indicate their emotions, which can be a surprise, anger, or happiness.
Courtship Hooting
This owl’s call is used as part of a display of dominance and may attract mates. As part of this courtship hooting, owls will hoot in a sequence, each sounding different. This interesting call can help you learn more about owl mating rituals. For example, hooting may help the owl find its way in the dark and indicate trust.
Screaming & Screeching
Owls have a fantastic ability to scream and screech. Hearing an owl scream or screech will allow you to look closely at how owls hunt and survive in the wild.
Different Mating and Territorial Seasons
During the breeding season, males try to win over females by producing loud noises called “hooting.” This can last for hours and can be pretty impressive to hear! Once the chicks fledge (leave the nest), they learn to hunt for food and defend themselves from other predators.
The nesting period is when owls spend most of their time building their nests and raising young. It’s an exciting time for owl enthusiasts as they can witness all the exciting activities!
Why Owls Hoot So Much at Night
When they’re hunting at night, owls need to be able to hear well to locate their targets. This is why they hoot – it helps them make the most of their hearing and stay alert.
Additionally, hooting also helps owls minimize the chance of getting lost. For example, owls hoot to communicate with other owls, their families, and their prey. The sound of an owl is something that you’ll soon start recognizing at night!
Types of Owls and How They Sound
Although there are many types of owls, some of the most common and vocal are the barn owl and the great horned owl. If you’re unsure which owl is right for you, try listening to recordings online or at a wildlife center. Additionally, take care of your owl by feeding them regularly, cleaning their cage, and letting them sing!
Great Horned Owl
The great horned owl is one of the world’s most well-known and commonly seen owls. These beautiful birds can be found in all parts of the globe, and their distinctive calls can often be heard during early morning or late night hours when they are hunting for food.
Although they aren’t as fast as other owl species, great-horned owls are among the strongest hunters. But, with its unique sound, it makes an excellent scarecrow sound effect!
Barn Owl
Barn Owls are nocturnal animals that hunt small prey such as rodents and birds. This owl is found in many parts of North America, making it an essential part of the ecosystem. Barn owls have a high-pitched screech that makes it easy to identify when out hunting at night.
Snowy Owl
The snowy owl is one of the world’s most impressive and unique owls! Its high-pitched call can be heard from great distances, making it a favorite among birdwatchers during the day.
This owl usually hunts by night – which gives it its name snowy because of the sound it makes while hunting. However, as this beautiful bird is on the vulnerable species list, we must help preserve it before it’s too late!
Screech Owl
This impressive bird is one of the most common species in North America, making various sounds. Its high-pitched cry can be heard up to a mile away and is often used as a symbol of fear and danger. It’s safe to say that this owl is not someone you want coming after your food – he’s scary looking!
Barred Owl
This owl makes a unique hoot, which can sometimes be mistaken for a human’s cry. Apart from its vocal abilities, this owl also has other exciting features- like being able to fly great distances without stopping and having excellent eyesight – perfect for hunting prey at night!
How to Hear Owl Noises
To get a better idea of owl sounds, watch owl videos online or from nature documentaries to get a real sense of what they sound like. Additionally, listen for owls near water – this is where they feed and drink. Finally, keep an ear out for owls in your area, as they can be hard to spot.
Are There Any Daytime Owls?
There are a few owl species that are active during the day. For example, the American barn owl is commonly seen during the day. Other owl species that can be seen during the day include European scops owls and merlin owls.
As for owls that are typically active during the night, the main ones are the owl species that hunt prey in the daylight, like the barred owl and the great horned owl. So, if you’re looking for an owl as your house pet, make sure it’s one of these animals!
