The common perception of an owl’s voice is typically the deep, resonant hoot, a sound frequently used to signify the nocturnal world. However, the true vocal repertoire of these birds extends far beyond this singular, low-frequency sound. Owls employ a diverse range of vocalizations, including whistles, trills, and harsh cries, each serving a specific purpose in their dark, auditory environment.
Which Owls Screech
Yes, owls screech, though the sound is not a universal call across all species. The most frequent producer of this jarring sound is the Barn Owl (Tyto alba), whose main vocalization is a long, raspy shriek that can last for up to two seconds. This sound is high-pitched and non-melodic, a stark contrast to the familiar hoot of other owls.
Male Barn Owls use this screech to advertise their presence and beckon a female to inspect a potential nest site. Females produce a similar, though sometimes softer, version when begging for food from the male during the breeding season. Interestingly, the Eastern and Western Screech-Owls (Megascops asio and M. kennicottii), despite their name, do not typically screech as adults. However, the young of many hooting species, such as the Great Horned Owl, emit a loud, grating screech while in the nest to beg for food from their parents.
The Hoot and Other Calls
While the Barn Owl specializes in the harsh shriek, the deep hoot is the signature sound of many larger owl species. The Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) produces a low-frequency, muffled series of hoots that carries well over long distances in its territory. These hoots are used for establishing territorial boundaries and for pair communication, with the male and female often coordinating their calls in a duet.
The Barred Owl (Strix varia) is another prominent hooter, whose recognizable eight-to-nine syllable call is often translated phonetically as “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?” This complex pattern is distinct from the shorter rhythm of the Great Horned Owl. Smaller owls often rely on high-pitched, whistle-like calls, such as the Northern Saw-whet Owl’s repetitive, single-note toots. Other vocalizations include the descending, horse-like whinny or a monotonic trill made by the Eastern Screech-Owl, and abrupt sounds like barks, growls, and hisses used for defense.
The Purpose of Owl Vocalizations
The diverse soundscape created by owls facilitates communication in a low-light environment where visual signals are limited. Loud, long-distance calls like the hoot and the screech are primarily employed for territorial defense and attracting a mate. A male owl uses these vocalizations to signal to rivals that an area is occupied and to advertise his fitness to a potential partner.
Softer, less intense vocalizations facilitate close-range interactions, particularly between mated pairs and their offspring. These sounds, which include gentle cooing or purring, maintain contact, reinforce pair bonds, and invite a mate to a potential nest site. In contrast to these social calls, owls also produce sharp, non-vocal sounds, such as bill-clapping or a loud hiss, which are purely defensive. These abrupt noises serve as a threat display directed at perceived predators or intruders.