The Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) is a large, powerful North American raptor known for its commanding presence and adaptability. While the classic, deep-toned “hoo” sound is its primary vocalization, the Great Horned Owl possesses a much wider and more complex repertoire of sounds that serve various purposes. These varied sounds offer insight into the owl’s territorial nature, mating rituals, and defense mechanisms.
The Signature Hoot
The classic Great Horned Owl hoot is a low-pitched, resonant bass sound that is typically described as a monotone series of notes. This deep sound has a frequency that usually ranges between 300 and 400 Hertz, allowing it to travel long distances through the night air with minimal loss of volume. The male owl’s voice box is larger than the female’s, resulting in a deeper hoot, which is a distinguishing feature between the sexes. The rhythm of the hoot is highly recognizable, often transcribed as “Who’s awake? Me too!” or a similar five-note pattern.
A male’s territorial hoot generally consists of four to five notes, while the female’s hoot can have six to nine notes, making her call slightly quicker and longer. When a mated pair hoots in a duet, the female’s higher-pitched call creates an alternating, woven sound with the male’s deeper one. The rhythmic pattern for the male is commonly a stuttering “hoo-h’HOO-hoo-hoo,” with a slight pause before the second, emphasized note. This primary hoot is used for territorial advertisement and communication between mates, acting as a long-distance signal.
Non-Hoot Vocalizations and Calls
Beyond the familiar hoot, the Great Horned Owl uses a range of sharper, louder sounds for proximity and alarm signaling. These non-hoot vocalizations, which include barks, squawks, and hisses, contrast sharply with the soft, low-frequency hoots. They are employed in moments of excitement, stress, or when defending a nest or territory at close range.
Young owls, or owlets, produce a loud, high-pitched screeching sound, which is typically a persistent begging call for food from their parents. This loud screech is often mistaken for another animal or even a different species of owl, as the adult Great Horned Owl does not use this sound. A common non-vocal sound is bill-clapping, where the owl rapidly snaps its beak together to produce a mechanical, loud click. This action is a physical threat display used to deter intruders or predators when the owl feels directly threatened.
Context and Timing of Communication
The primary hoot serves two main functions: establishing and defending territory from other owls, and acting as part of the courtship and bonding ritual between a pair. Territorial hoots can be heard year-round, but they become much more frequent during the fall and winter when the breeding season approaches.
Mating pairs engage in hooting duets, which are part of their bonding and courtship display, often beginning as early as October. This increase in vocal activity during the winter breeding season makes the owls much easier to hear, especially during the dark hours of the night and pre-dawn mornings. Quieter, less structured “Greeting Hoots” or “contact calls” are also used between mates when they land on a perch or greet each other after an absence, indicating a softer, localized form of communication.