Listen In on the Distinctive Voices of Owls

Hoots, whinnies, barks, and moans—we collected a few of the most evocative owl sounds you would possibly hear in North America.

October 21, 2025

Probably the most evocative thrills in birding is the sound of an owl hooting within the distant quiet of the woods. Owls use their voices to ascertain territories and to draw mates, similar to songbirds do. Regardless of their nocturnal repute, you would possibly hear owls calling at virtually any time of the day or 12 months—in truth some species (reminiscent of Brief-eared Owls, Burrowing Owls, and pygmy-owls) are most lively and vocal in the course of the day. And a few owls (reminiscent of Barred and Nice Horned) could start nesting in midwinter, so you’ll be able to typically hear them in fall and winter, when most different birds are quiet.

The U.S. and Canada are house to at the least 19 species of owls—it is a sampler of a few of our favourite and most widespread owl species. Some are bracing, some haunting, some mysterious, however all are a reminder to maintain listening! Watch this video for a fast survey of 4 owl calls, after which preserve scrolling to listen to an extra six species. Which is your favourite?

Extra Stunning Owl Sounds

Nice Horned Owl

These giant, highly effective owls give a collection of deep hoots with a stutterstep rhythm. Take heed to more Great Horned Owl calls.

Boreal Owl

Boreal Owls are small, fierce owls that reside in northern North America and Eurasia (the place they’re typically often known as “Tengmalm’s Owl.”) Their calls are a mellow however fast collection of as much as 20 toots. Take heed to more Boreal Owl calls.

Brief-eared Owl

Typically lively in the course of the day, Brief-eared Owls cruise low over open habitats on broad, rounded wings, listening intently earlier than dropping onto rodent prey. Their most regularly heard name is a harsh yelp or bark. Take heed to more Short-eared Owl calls.

burrowing Owl

Burrowing Owls nest in deserted burrows and are lively in the course of the day, utilizing their lengthy legs to hunt small animals on open floor. These cute owls even have a cute name—a brief collection of whooping notes that may sound like a quail. Take heed to more Burrowing Owl calls.

Northern Pygmy-Owl

An owl the dimensions of a robin, the Northern Pygmy-Owl is a fierce hunter, lively in the course of the day, that usually preys on birds as large as itself! Its name is a sluggish and regular collection of quick, musical toots. Take heed to more Northern Pygmy-Owl calls.

Nice Grey Owl

The regal Nice Grey Owl is without doubt one of the largest owls on the earth, although its voice is a subdued collection of slow-paced, deep hoots. Take heed to more Great Gray Owl calls.