Listen In on the Distinctive Voices of Owls

One of the most evocative thrills in birding is the sound of an owl hooting in the distant quiet of the woods. Owls use their voices to establish territories and to attract mates, just like songbirds do. Despite their nocturnal reputation, you might hear owls calling at almost any time of the day or year—in fact some species (such as Short-eared Owls, Burrowing Owls, and pygmy-owls) are most active and vocal during the day. And some owls (such as Barred and Great Horned) may begin nesting in midwinter, so you can often hear them in fall and winter, when most other birds are quiet.

The U.S. and Canada are home to at least 19 species of owls—this is a sampler of some of our favorite and most widespread owl species. Some are bracing, some haunting, some mysterious, but all are a reminder to keep listening! Watch this video for a quick survey of four owl calls, and then keep scrolling to hear an additional six species. Which is your favorite?

More Beautiful Owl Sounds

Great Horned Owl

These large, powerful owls give a series of deep hoots with a stutterstep rhythm. Listen to more Great Horned Owl calls.

Boreal Owl

Boreal Owls are small, fierce owls that live in northern North America and Eurasia (where they are often known as “Tengmalm’s Owl.”) Their calls are a mellow but quick series of up to 20 toots. Listen to more Boreal Owl calls.

Short-eared Owl

Often active during the day, Short-eared Owls cruise low over open habitats on broad, rounded wings, listening intently before dropping onto rodent prey. Their most frequently heard call is a harsh yelp or bark. Listen to more Short-eared Owl calls.

burrowing Owl

Burrowing Owls nest in abandoned burrows and are active during the day, using their long legs to hunt small animals on open ground. These cute owls also have a cute call—a short series of whooping notes that can sound like a quail. Listen to more Burrowing Owl calls.

Northern Pygmy-Owl

An owl the size of a robin, the Northern Pygmy-Owl is a fierce hunter, active during the day, that often preys on birds as big as itself! Its call is a slow and steady series of short, musical toots. Listen to more Northern Pygmy-Owl calls.

Great Gray Owl

The regal Great Gray Owl is one of the largest owls in the world, though its voice is a subdued series of slow-paced, deep hoots. Listen to more Great Gray Owl calls.

Learn More about Owls

Owls are a worldwide phenomenon, with more than 230 species worldwide—and they’re all incredible! From rainforests to deserts, even in the frigid Arctic to remote islands, owls have adapted in fascinating ways to survive and thrive.

Get to know owls like never before with a fun and detailed look in our self-paced, online course, The Wonderful World of Owls. It’s full of educational videos, photo galleries, and interactive learning tools that give you a window on their mysterious lives. If you’ve ever wondered how owls do what they do so well, this course is for you!