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Posted by on Jan 29, 2016 in TellMeWhy |

Why Do Owls Hoot?

Why Do Owls Hoot?

Why Do Owls Hoot? Owls make these sounds in order to communicate. And there are just as many messages as there are different types of calls. The exact message conveyed by a particular sound will often vary between different types of owls. However, not all owls hoot and, of those that do, hoots aren’t the only sounds they make.

In addition to hoots, owls may chirp, whistle, scream, screech, bark, growl, or shriek. Scientists call these different sounds vocalizations. Most owl vocalizations are loud and low in pitch, which helps the sounds travel long distances through the night skies.

In addition to hoots, owls may screech or shriek from time to time. Some owls give out a loud shriek when they feel threatened or are attacking a predator. At other times, loud screeches may be used during mating season to attract a mate. Some people believe these loud screeches sounds just like a human woman screaming.

When an owl feels scared or threatened, it may also emit short, low barking sounds. If you hear an owl barking, it’s probably trying to scare off whatever is scaring or threatening it. Other owls growl to deter predators.

Content for this question contributed by Christian Soukup, resident of Raynham, Bristol County, Massachusetts, USA