Screech owls are small, nocturnal birds known for their haunting and distinctive calls. Despite their name, screech owls don’t actually “screech” as often as people expect. Instead, their vocalizations range from soft trills to eerie whinnies, creating an atmosphere that can be both calming and unsettling.
If you’ve ever heard an unusual, ghostly sound in the night, you might have encountered a screech owl. But what do their calls really sound like, and what do they mean? In this guide, we’ll explore the different sounds of screech owls, why they vocalize, and how to identify their calls.
What Does a Screech Owl Sound Like?
Screech owls are known for a variety of vocalizations, each serving a unique purpose. Unlike some owl species that hoot, screech owls produce trills, whinnies, and soft whistles.
1. The Whinny Call
One of the most famous screech owl sounds is a whinnying call that resembles a horse’s whinny. It is a descending, trembling sound that lasts for a few seconds. This call is often used for territorial defense and to warn other owls to stay away.
2. The Trill Call
Screech owls also make a long, rhythmic trill that sounds like a rapid series of musical notes. This trill is often used for communication between mates, especially during the breeding season. The sound is soft yet persistent, giving a sense of mystery to nighttime forests.
3. Soft Whistles and Chirps
In addition to their main calls, screech owls produce gentle whistles and chirping sounds. These are commonly used for close-range communication between owls or between parents and their young.
4. Alarm Calls
When a screech owl feels threatened, it may emit a sharp, harsh call to warn predators or intruders. This sound is more aggressive and can sometimes be confused with a true “screech.”
Why Do Screech Owls Make These Sounds?
Like all birds, screech owls use vocalizations to communicate. Each call has a specific meaning, helping them survive and interact with their environment.
1. Territorial Defense
Screech owls are highly territorial birds. The whinny call is often used to warn other owls to stay out of their territory. If two screech owls are competing for space, their calls may become louder and more frequent.
2. Mating and Courtship
During breeding season, screech owls use their trill calls to attract a mate. A male owl will often trill softly to signal his presence to a potential female partner. If she responds, the two may engage in a duet of trills and soft chirps.
3. Parent-Young Communication
Baby screech owls, or owlets, make high-pitched begging calls to signal hunger. Parent owls respond with soft whistles and chirps, reassuring their young and guiding them toward food.
4. Warning and Defense
When a screech owl senses danger, it may let out an alarm call to scare off predators or alert nearby owls. If you hear a sudden, sharp screech from an owl, it may have spotted a threat such as a raccoon, snake, or even a human.
Where and When Can You Hear Screech Owls?
1. Nighttime Activity
Screech owls are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. Their calls are commonly heard after sunset and before dawn, making them one of the most recognizable nighttime sounds.
2. Habitat and Locations
Screech owls are found across North America, particularly in forests, woodlands, and suburban areas. They are adaptable birds, and it’s not uncommon to hear them in backyards, parks, and even city outskirts.
3. Seasonal Patterns
While screech owls vocalize year-round, they tend to be more vocal during the breeding season in spring and in late summer and fall, when young owls are learning to communicate.
How to Identify Screech Owl Sounds
If you want to identify a screech owl call, listen for the following characteristics:
- A descending, trembling whinny – Often used for territorial calls.
- A long, smooth trill – A sign of communication between mates.
- Soft chirps and whistles – Heard when owls interact at close range.
- Sudden, sharp screeches – An alarm or distress call.
Unlike the deep hoots of great horned owls, screech owls have a higher-pitched, almost musical quality to their calls.
Fun Facts About Screech Owl Sounds
- Each owl has a unique voice. Just like humans, individual screech owls have slight variations in their calls.
- They don’t always screech. Despite their name, screech owls rarely produce a true “screech” sound.
- Mimicry is possible. Some birds, like mockingbirds, have been known to imitate screech owl calls.
- Owls use silence, too. Even though screech owls are vocal, they are also skilled at hunting in complete silence.
How to Attract Screech Owls to Your Yard
If you enjoy listening to screech owls, you can encourage them to visit your area by creating a welcoming habitat.
- Provide Nesting Boxes: Screech owls often nest in tree cavities. Installing a nesting box can encourage them to settle nearby.
- Keep Outdoor Lights Low: Too much artificial light can disturb nocturnal birds.
- Limit Pesticide Use: Healthy insect populations attract small mammals and birds, which are prey for screech owls.
- Preserve Large Trees: Screech owls prefer areas with mature trees for shelter and nesting.
The screech owl’s call is one of nature’s most fascinating nighttime sounds. From eerie whinnies to rhythmic trills, these birds use vocalizations to communicate, find mates, and defend their territory. While their sounds may seem mysterious, understanding their meaning can help birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts appreciate these nocturnal creatures even more.
Next time you’re outside at night, listen carefully—you just might hear the haunting yet beautiful song of a screech owl.