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Snowy Owl Sounds

Overview
ID info
Life History
Maps
Sounds

Song
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Alaska, June 03, 2006Recorded by Gerrit Vyn | Macaulay Library
Calls
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Nunavut, June 23, 2008Recorded by Gerrit Vyn | Macaulay Library
Calls
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Nunavut, July 24, 1969Recorded by Philip S. Taylor | Macaulay Library

Sounds provided by Macaulay Library.
Listen to more sounds of this species from the ML archive.

Songs

Both sexes, but particularly the males, make low, powerful, slightly rasping hoots. They’re often given two at a time but may include up to six hoots in a row. These can be heard for up to 7 miles on the tundra, and other owls often answer with hoots of their own.

Calls

In defense, Snowy Owls will hoot, whistle, and hiss.

Other Sounds

When agitated, Snowy Owls snap their bills shut to make a clacking sound.

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Species in This Family

Owls(Order: Strigiformes, Family: Strigidae)

Flammulated Owl

Western Screech-Owl

Eastern Screech-Owl

Northern Hawk Owl

Northern Pygmy-Owl

Great Horned Owl

Short-eared Owl

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Browse Species in This Family

More to Read

Project SNOWstorm Seizes the Moment to Take a Closer Look at Snowy Owls
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Snowy Owls Aren't Starving: Two Canadian Farmers Help Bust a Pervasive Myth
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A Season of Snowy Owls

Living Bird Magazine
At Home on the Alaskan Tundra With Snowy Owl Researcher Denver Holt
How long do wintering Snowy Owls stay with us before they return to their breeding grounds?
Providing Nest Material for Birds: Dos & Don'ts

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