The Owlet Mall and more : Not All Hoots Are The Same

     Although we all know owls hoot, not all hoots are the same. For one thing, only two owl species actually "hoot": the Great Horned Owl and the Hoot Owl. Hear the Great Horned Owl Here . Other owl species have their own distinctive calls that can be described as screaming, screeching, or other word-like sounds, like "who cooks for you" and "co co co co". One owl, the Burrowing Owl, even makes a sound like a rattlesnake and the Barred Owl can makes sounds like a monkey.

     There are about 200 species of owls in the world and each have their own distinctive calls. Owls use their voices to communicate for many reasons, but primarily to claim their territory and attract mates, and some owls are more vocal than others. However, when threatened or angry, all owls make snapping sounds with their beaks, click their tongues, and hiss, even owlets. listen - angry owlet

     You can hear most owls' calls when they are most active at dusk and during the night. Other species can be heard at dawn and during the day; examples are Snowy Owls, Pygmy Owls, and Short-Eared Owls. For most owl species, you can hear them anytime of the year, but the best time is during the mating season which is generally from November through February or March.

     With the exception of the Barn Owl, the male's call is usually deeper than that of the female's. In the Barn Owl world, the more vocal and loudest is the male who makes chilling long lasting screams repeatedly while flying.

Watch this video for more owl call samples:

For additional samples, visit Sunlight and the Seasons- Listen to Owls: Audio Clips and The Owl Pages - Owl Calls & Sounds Page

It's obvious owls have a lot to say; just look at these chatty owl themed gift products: