Birds have a much greater vocal repertoire than we realize, with a wide range of sounds used for communication. So why is the simplified “who” still associated as the only sound owls make? There are so many more words in an owl’s vocabulary!

Types of Owl Sounds

It’s true that the typical “who” hoot is a common sound for many owls, but it’s far from the only noise these birds of prey may make. While owls are known for their stealthy nocturnal hunting habits, they actually have quite a few sounds they use to communicate with other owls either to display dominance and territoriality, demonstrate strength to impress a mate, or alert their partner about food or threats.

Depending on the situation and the species, along with hooting, owls may also…

• Coo
• Whistle
• Hiss
• Screech
• Rattle
• Bark
• Laugh
• Whinny
• Trill
• Toot
• Rasp

These are all vocalizations, but there are other sounds owls make that are non-vocal. This includes bill clacks and clicks and occasional sounds like scratches, rustles, or knocks that may be created when tearing apart prey or settling in to a roost or nest.

How to Listen for Owls

Owls typically vocalize in crepuscular periods, either twilight just after the sun has set and darkness is settling or in the early hours as the sky is lightening before sunrise. This is a great time to find owls, but it takes keen ears and less ambient light and noise nearby to hear them clearly.

Ideally, visit local habitats where owls are known to nest or roost, then find a quiet, dark spot to just hang out. Staying as still as possible will help avoid any inadvertent noise that might either spook the birds and cause them to be quiet or else would make it more difficult for you to hear owl sounds.

Because owls vocalize most during the mating season, late winter (January and February) is often the best time to hear them. This doesn’t mean they won’t vocalize at other times, however, and it is entirely possible to hear a whole litany of owl sounds at any time of year.

It can be exciting to hear an owl, but once you do hear one, stay still! These sensitive birds can spook easily and may grow silent if they feel they have been unduly noticed. Instead, listen carefully and be an owl yourself – move your head to different angles to hear each note and tone better, and you may even be able to triangulate the owl’s location to catch a glimpse of the bird.

Identifying Owls by Sound

When you hear an owl, how do you know “who” you’re listening to? It’s not as difficult to identify owls as many birders may believe.

First, listen carefully to the call. Note different characteristics of the sounds, such as the cadence, number of notes, pitch, and changes in rhythm and tempo. These clues can all add up to a positive identification, once you compare what you’ve heard with known calls (check birding apps and websites for options), but take care – it can be confusing to identify owls, and be sure you’re within a reasonable range for the species you believe you hear. If all the traits match up, congratulations – you’ve heard, and identified, an owl by ear!

Do you know what owl “ears” are called?