Songs

• Descending whinny, monotonic trill
  
   

  
  Recorded by Hugh McIsaac
  New York September 1979
• Descending trill during territorial defense
  
   

  
  Recorded by Wilbur Hershberger
  Maryland December 1998
• Monotonic trill
  
   

  
  Recorded by Wilbur Hershberg
  Maryland July 2000
• Monotonic trill
  
   

  
  Recorded by Geoffrey Keller
  Florida May 1996
• Monotonic trill of shorter duration
  
   

  
  Recorded by Matthew Medler
  Texas April 1998
Courtesy of Macaulay Library
© Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Both males and females sing. Their most common sounds are an even-pitched trill, often called a “bounce song” or tremolo; and a shrill, descending whinny. The tremolo is used by pairs or families to keep in touch and is 3–6 seconds long. The whinny is 0.5–2 seconds long and is used to defend territories. These two songs may be given one after the other. Mated pairs may sing to each other antiphonally, both day and night.

Calls

• Screech calls and bill-claps by agitated pair
  
   

  
  Recorded by Wilbur Hershberger
  Maryland July 1998
• Screech and chuckle rattle
  
   

  
  Recorded by Hugh McIsaac
  New York September 1979
Courtesy of Macaulay Library
© Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Among the Eastern Screech-Owl’s many calls are soft, low hoots; loud, sharp barking calls that indicate alarm or agitation; and, true to their name, screeches—typically given by adults defending nests or fledglings. A three- or four-note chuckle or rattle denotes annoyance, as when a bird is being mobbed.

Other Sounds

Annoyed screech-owls make a clacking sound by snapping their bill mandibles together. Captured birds may hiss as part of a threat display.