Owls are considered to be incredible birds as they have unique characteristics, such as they can rotate their neck 270 degrees and are also known as silent hunters. Another unique feature of an owl is the hooting sound it makes.
So, let’s dive in and get to know what is the meaning of the hooting sound, whether it is used for communication or something more. You will also learn about the different hooting sounds made by different owl species.
Why Does an Owl Hoot?
There are plenty of reasons for an owl to hoot. They must be trying to communicate or convey a message, as each hoot has a different meaning, such as –
- Identifying the presence of a predator
- Locating and fending off intruders
- Declaring the territory
- Looking for a mate
- Informing the other owls about food, shelter, or water
What are the Sounds Made by Different Species of Owls?
Different species have different hooting variations, so you can easily identify them through the distinct voices. Here’s how you can identify five owls by their calls, which include yelps, hoots, whistles, barks, screeches, and beak snaps:
Barred Owl
When you hear a Barred Owl it appears as if they are saying ” Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you?”. Their sound seems to be two rhythmic phrases and these owls are specifically found in the eastern half of the US, Pacific Northwest, and Canada.
Barn Owl
Barn owls have a high pitch scream and when they communicate it appears as if they are saying a k-r-r-r-r-ick. they make noise when they want to send out a distress signal or warning. Except in the Northern States, these owls are found on five other continents.
Easter Screech Owl
Eastern Screech Owl’s sound appears to be a descending winnie which is capped off with a trill. You would find that the meals have a lower-pitched call than the females. They also use a monotonic and soothing trill to converse. They also have a call that sounds like an errant bouncy ball.
Great Horned Owl
The Great Horned Owl can be heard making a gravelly hoot which can be heard from a great distance. The sound seems to be like a muffled foghorn. When a pair of owls starts hooting, then the female makes the first noise, then the male follows and it is followed by the second and third hoot. These owls are mostly found in the continental United States, Canada, and Alaska.
Burrowing Owl
Burrowing Owl can be heard making a simple coo-coooo, coo-coooo, which is followed by a gentle wheeze at the end. They usually make a sound when they are in defense mode. They can also mimic the rattlesnake to scare away predators. These birds are found near the Southern border of the United States or Mexico
Different Types of Hooting
Let’s list out what different hoots specifically mean –
Territorial Dispute
This is the most basic reason for an owl to hoot. Through hooting, they tend to deliver information and send messages to other owls about the claimed territory. This hooting call is made generally at night, especially when they claim a nest. Owls do not make their own nest during the breeding season, they tend to claim old abandoned nests and once they capture the nest, they start their hooting. This is an announcement hoot that they have claimed their territory and others need to stay away. This also helps a female owl to understand that the male owl is ready for courtship.
Predator or Threat
Owls hoot when they face a predator. If the hooting is loud, and it is accompanied by screeching, along with shrieking noise, then they might have been attacked by a predator, or someone is trying to take over their nest or the owl has been defeated in the fight.
Act of Defense
The most common hoot is the defense hoot which can be heard when a raptor is nearby or overlapping the habitat of the owl. Also, if a larger owl is attacking a smaller owl, or has been spotted near their habitat.
What are the Other Sounds Made by the Owl?
Other than hooting, the owl also makes screaming and screeching calls, which appear similar to the hoots. Owls mostly communicate through screeches and screaming instead of hoots. They can make this noise if someone or something has invaded their territory or is considering any acts as a threat. They can also let out a lower-pitched barking noise, when surprised. This is done to scare off the threats, where they reduce their sound and make an intense sound instead. Owls can also shriek, growl, and whistle. They are also seen growling at the predators when they are threatened, which seems to be a short and low-pitched sound.
Are Owls Hooting a Bad Omen?
In the American Culture, it has been mentioned that hearing an owl hoot is a bad omen as they are active during the night and they might hoot after identifying a supernatural element. Their hoot also indicates a mischief being conducted or the death of someone. It is also regarded as misfortune and the presence of ghosts and evil spirits.
Alternatively, in the Hindu culture, owls are considered to be a good omen. They are associated with the goddess of wealth, Laxmi, and when you hear an owl hoot, it indicates the incoming of immense wealth and good luck.
When considering Ancient Greece, owls are associated with the goddess of wisdom, Athena. The owls are considered to be holy birds and in the previous time, owls were released just before a battle as a good omen for victory. Thus, their hooting is known to be good fortune, protection, and guidance from the divine realm.
When is the Owl Mostly Active?
The owl is seen to be active during the dawn and sunset mostly, but they are nocturnal creatures and stay awake throughout the night.
Can Owls Hoot During the Day?
Only on rare occasions can you hear an owl hooting during the day, but there are also exceptions, where the owl species become diurnal, such as the Snowy Owls.
How Far Can the Hooting Noise Go?
The hooting noise of the owl can be heard from a quarter mile away. But, if the night is still, the Great Horned Owl can be heard beyond a mile.
Do Owls Hoot While Hunting?
No, owls do not hoot during hunting as it would prevent them from capturing their prey, which includes mice, skunks, rabbits, etc. They maintain absolute silence while hunting.
