The familiar sound of an owl’s hoot echoing through the night is often the first sign of these secretive birds. Owl vocalizations are a complex form of communication used for defining territory boundaries and attracting a mate. While “hoot” is used generally, the specific pattern, cadence, and depth of the call can identify the species. Learning these subtle differences helps determine which nocturnal neighbor is calling from nearby trees.
The Most Common Hooter
The deepest and most widely recognized hoot belongs to the Great Horned Owl, found across nearly all of North and South America. Its massive range and adaptability make this species the most likely source of the classic, low-frequency sound. The male’s territorial song is a series of four to six hoots, often transcribed as hoo-hoo-hoo hoo-hoo or hoo-h’HOO-hoo-hoo.
The initial hoot is typically short, followed by a quick, emphasized second and third hoot, and then two more trailing notes. This rhythmic, far-carrying call is used to advertise the owl’s presence and maintain its territory. Since Great Horned Owls begin nesting in the late winter, their hoots are often heard across the forest on cold nights.
The Call That Sounds Like a Question
The Barred Owl is another common species that hoots, though its vocalization is often confused with the Great Horned Owl. The Barred Owl’s signature call is an eight-hoot phrase with a distinctive rhythm and conversational quality. This sound is famously translated into the mnemonic “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?”.
The eight notes are delivered in two distinct groups of four, with the final note trailing off in a downward, questioning inflection. Unlike the Great Horned Owl’s deep, simple rhythm, the Barred Owl’s call is more emphasized and carries well over half a mile. This species prefers dense, mature woodlands and wooded swamps, primarily across the eastern United States, though its range has expanded westward.
Identifying Other Hooting Owls
Beyond the two most widespread hooters, a few other species use hoots to communicate, though they are heard less frequently. The Spotted Owl, found in the mature forests of the western United States, employs a four-note hoot as its primary signal call. This distinctive pattern of deep, pure notes, often described as whoop wo ho ho, is used by males and females to mark territory.
The Boreal Owl of the northern coniferous forests also uses a hooting call, but its pattern is very different. The male’s song is a rapid, monotonous series of soft, whistled toots, sometimes numbering up to 20 or more. This staccato series of notes is continuous and sounds mechanical, carrying over a mile. The call is heard during the late winter and spring as the male advertises for a mate.
Beyond the Hoot
Many common owls do not produce the classic hooting sound at all. Relying solely on a hoot for identification can lead to misidentification, as some species have unique vocalizations. The Barn Owl, for instance, replaces the hoot with a long, harsh, drawn-out screech or shriek, often described as ghostly or rasping.
The Eastern Screech-Owl is known for two primary calls: a descending, horse-like whinny and an extended, single-pitch trill. The Long-eared Owl’s most common advertising call is a series of very low, muffled whoo notes, often compared to blowing across the lip of a large bottle. These distinct sounds help listeners differentiate between the true hooters and other owls.