Most people perceive the owl as a silent predator that only hunts and communicates at night. While the majority of the world’s approximately 250 owl species are nocturnal, hearing an owl hooting during the day can be confusing. The question of whether they vocalize during the day has a direct and nuanced answer, which depends on the underlying reasons for their calls.
The Simple Answer: When Owls Vocalize
Yes, owls can and sometimes do hoot during the day, although this is uncommon for strictly nocturnal species. Hooting is primarily a long-distance communication used for territorial marking and attracting a mate, activities usually performed at night. However, an urgent need can override the natural nocturnal schedule, prompting a daytime call.
Daytime vocalizations are often triggered by distress or the defense of a roosting site. For example, if a nocturnal owl is “mobbed” by smaller, diurnal birds like jays or crows, it may hoot or bark loudly to scare off the threat. Parent-offspring communication also occurs during the day, as fledglings use persistent calls to beg for food. Furthermore, species like the Great Horned Owl are active during the crepuscular hours of dawn and dusk, and their territorial hooting often begins before sunset.
The Call Repertoire: Understanding Owl Sounds
The classic “hoot” is only one sound in an owl’s extensive vocal repertoire, and the sounds heard during the day are often not hoots at all. Many species communicate using a variety of screeches, whistles, and barks, each serving a specific purpose within their social structure. Barn Owls, for example, rarely hoot, relying instead on a distinct, raspy shriek or scream to warn of distress or advertise their location.
Smaller species also use unique sounds. The Northern Saw-whet Owl uses a rapid, repetitive “toot” for territorial announcements. Eastern Screech-Owls frequently employ a descending trill or horse-like whinny to defend territory or maintain contact with a mate. Owls also produce non-vocal sounds, such as the loud bill-snapping or clacking noise made by the Great Horned or Barred Owl. This physical threat display is used when they feel cornered or are aggressively defending their nest.
Daylight Owls: Species that Break the Mold
The most consistent reason for hearing an owl during the day is the presence of species that are naturally diurnal or crepuscular, meaning their active period includes daylight hours. These “daylight owls” have evolved to hunt and vocalize when the sun is up, making their calls expected.
Diurnal Species
The Northern Hawk Owl is a true diurnal species that hunts almost exclusively during the day, particularly in winter. Snowy Owls are also largely diurnal, having adapted to hunt during the continuous daylight of their Arctic breeding grounds. When they irrupt south in the winter, their active, diurnal hunting and vocalizations often continue.
Crepuscular and Highly Active Species
The Burrowing Owl lives in open grasslands and is often active and vocal throughout the day. While its primary call is a gentle coo, it uses a defensive hiss that mimics a rattlesnake to deter predators from its underground burrows. The Barred Owl is also frequently heard during the day, known for its recognizable “who cooks for you, who cooks for you all” call carrying clearly through the forest.