OWL Sound: Different Types of Owls and With Their Sounds

1. Barred Owl Sound at Night

The Barred Owl is a medium-sized owl that lives in North America. It has a round face, dark eyes, and a brownish-gray plumage with bars on its chest and belly. These features give it an endearing appearance that makes it one of the most popular owls in the continent.

The Barred Owl can adapt to different habitats, from forests and swamps to urban areas. It has a wingspan of up to 49 inches (125 cm) and sharp talons that help it catch prey. It feeds on rodents, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and even fish.

But what makes the Barred Owl truly stand out is its haunting call. It sounds like it is asking “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?” This eerie hoot is used to mark its territory and communicate with other owls. It can be heard mostly at night, but sometimes during the day as well.

The Barred Owl is a fascinating and mysterious creature of the night. In this guide, we will learn more about its behavior, life cycle, and conservation status. We will also discover some amazing facts about this owl that you might not know.

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2. Great Horned Owl

The Great Horned Owl, scientifically known as Bubo virginianus, is one of the largest and most formidable owls in North America. Its distinctive “horns” or tufts of feathers on its head give it a menacing appearance.

Physical Characteristics

• Great Horned Owls have a wingspan ranging from 39 to 57 inches (100-145 cm).
• Their plumage varies in color, from mottled brown to gray, helping them blend into their surroundings.
• As their name suggests, they have prominent “horns” or tufts of feathers on their head.
• Their sharp talons are strong enough to grasp and carry prey larger than themselves.

Habitat and Range

Great Horned Owls are highly adaptable and can be found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, deserts, and urban areas. They are native to the Americas and have a vast range that extends from Alaska to South America.

Related: What Do Owls Mean in Dreams? 

Haunting Call of the Great Horned Owl

The Great Horned Owl’s call is a series of deep, resonant hoots. It is often described as “hoo-hoo-hoo, hoo-hoo” with the second hoot being lower in pitch. These haunting calls can be heard echoing through the night, striking both fear and awe into those who listen.

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3. Barn Owl

The Barn Owl, scientifically known as Tyto alba, is known for its heart-shaped facial disk and distinctive white plumage. It is a silent and stealthy nocturnal hunter.

Physical Characteristics

• Barn Owls have a wingspan of about 42-43 inches (107-110 cm).
• They are easily recognizable by their white, heart-shaped facial disk.
• Their plumage is pale with buff-colored spots.
• Barn Owls have sharp talons and excellent hearing.

Habitat and Range

Barn Owls are well adapted to a variety of habitats, including grasslands, farmlands, and even urban areas. They have a worldwide distribution, inhabiting regions across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Must Read: Do Owls Have Legs? Unraveling the Mystery of Owl Anatomy

Haunting Call of the Barn Owl

The Barn Owl’s call is a high-pitched screech, often likened to a blood-curdling scream. This eerie sound can be spine-tingling when heard in the dead of night.

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4. Eurasian Eagle Owl

The Eurasian Eagle Owl, scientifically known as Bubo bubo, is one of the largest owl species in the world. Its powerful build and tufted “horns” make it an impressive sight.

Physical Characteristics

• Eurasian Eagle Owls have an enormous wingspan of up to 79 inches (200 cm).
• They have distinctive “horns” or tufts of feathers on their head.
• Their plumage varies from mottled brown to gray, providing excellent camouflage.
• These owls have large, striking orange eyes.

Habitat and Range

Eurasian Eagle Owls are found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, mountains, and rocky cliffs. They have a broad distribution, spanning across Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa.

Haunting Call of the Eurasian Eagle Owl

The Eurasian Eagle Owl’s call is a deep, resonant hoot that can be heard from a considerable distance. It is often described as “ooo-hu, ooo-hu,” with a haunting quality that adds to its mystique.

You May Want to Read:  Types of Green Birds in Sarasota Florida

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5. Scops Owl

The Scops Owl, belonging to the genus Otus, is a small owl species known for its diminutive size and charming appearance.

Physical Characteristics

• Scops Owls are tiny, with a wingspan of around 17-25 inches (44-63 cm).
• They have round faces and large, expressive eyes.
• Their plumage varies, but it often includes shades of brown and gray.
• These owls have sharp beaks and talons.

Habitat and Range

Scops Owls are typically found in woodlands, forests, and gardens across Europe, Asia, and Africa. They are known for their adaptability to various habitats.

Haunting Call of the Scops Owl

The Scops Owl’s call is a series of high-pitched whistles and trills. It is a gentle and melodic sound that contrasts with the eerie calls of larger owl species.

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6. Screech Owl

The Screech Owl, scientifically known as Megascops, is a small owl species native to the Americas. Despite its name, it produces a variety of calls beyond just screeches.

Physical Characteristics

• Screech Owls are compact, with a wingspan of about 18-24 inches (46-61 cm).
• They have tufted “horns” on their heads.
• Their plumage varies from reddish-brown to gray and mottled patterns.
• Sharp talons and keen vision make them skilled hunters.

Habitat and Range

Screech Owls are versatile in terms of habitat and can be found in forests, woodlands, and suburban areas across North and South America.

Haunting Call of the Screech Owl

The Screech Owl’s call is a distinctive, eerie trill that varies in pitch and tone. It can be described as a haunting, ghostly whinny that resonates through the night.

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7. Great Gray Owl Hooting Sound

The Great Gray Owl, scientifically known as Strix nebulosa, is the largest owl by length, though not by weight. It is known for its imposing size and cryptic appearance.

Physical Characteristics

• Great Gray Owls have a wingspan of about 38-60 inches (96-152 cm).
• They have a round face and large, yellow eyes.
• Their plumage is predominantly gray with subtle mottling.
• These owls have a robust build and powerful talons.

Habitat and Range

Great Gray Owls are primarily found in coniferous forests, particularly in northern regions of North America and Eurasia. They are well adapted to cold climates.

Haunting Call of the Great Gray Owl

The Great Gray Owl’s call is a deep series of hoots that can carry over long distances. It is a haunting and solemn sound that adds to the mystique of this owl.

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8. Tawny Owl

The Tawny Owl, scientifically known as Strix aluco, is a medium-sized owl species found in parts of Europe and Asia. It is known for its cryptic plumage and haunting calls.

Physical Characteristics

• Tawny Owls have a wingspan of about 25-37 inches (64-95 cm).
• They have a round face with dark eyes.
• Their plumage is predominantly brown and mottled, providing excellent camouflage.
• Sharp talons make them skilled hunters.

Habitat and Range

Tawny Owls are typically found in woodlands, forests, and urban areas across Europe and Asia. They have adapted well to living in close proximity to human settlements.

Haunting Call of the Tawny Owl

The Tawny Owl’s call is a classic hooting sound often described as “tu-whit tu-whoo.” It is a familiar and eerie sound heard in the nighttime forests of Europe and Asia.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Owl Sounds

Q1: How do you write an owl sound?

A1: Writing an owl sound can be challenging, as it involves capturing the unique vocalizations of different owl species. However, you can represent owl sounds using onomatopoeic words like “hoot,” “screech,” “whinny,” or “tu-whit tu-whoo.” These words attempt to mimic the sounds owls make, providing readers with an auditory impression of the owl’s call.

Q2: Are owls hoot?

A2: Yes, many owl species produce hooting sounds as part of their vocal repertoire. The hoot is a common vocalization among owls and is used for various purposes, including territory marking and communication with other owls.

Q3: When you hear the sound of an owl?

A3: You are most likely to hear the sound of an owl during the nighttime. Owls are primarily nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active at night. Their haunting calls serve as a means of communication, hunting, and establishing territory in the dark.

Q4: What do owls speak?

A4: Owls do not speak in the way humans do. They communicate through a range of vocalizations, including hoots, screeches, whistles, and trills. These sounds convey various messages to other owls, such as warnings, mating calls, or territorial claims.

Q5: What are owl words?

A5: “Owl words” is not a commonly recognized term in linguistics or ornithology. However, when discussing owls and their vocalizations, people may use words that mimic the sounds owls make, such as “hoot,” “screech,” or “whinny,” to describe their calls.

Q6: Which owl screeches?

A6: The Barn Owl is known for producing screeching sounds. Its calls are often described as high-pitched screams or shrieks, which can be quite eerie when heard in the night.

Q7: Why is an owl hooting?

Owls hoot for various reasons, including:

• Territorial Communication: Owls use hooting to establish and defend their territory, warning other owls to stay away.
• Mating Calls: During the breeding season, owls hoot to attract potential mates.
• Communication: Owls may hoot to communicate with other owls in their vicinity, such as family members or hunting partners.

Q8: What sound does a female owl make?

A8: Female owls, like male owls, can produce a variety of sounds, including hoots, screeches, and other vocalizations. The specific sounds a female owl makes can vary depending on the species and the context, such as mating or defending their territory. Female owls are active participants in owl vocalizations and communication.