Owls can be very vocal and can make a variety of different sounds ranging from hoots, screeches, whistles, cries, coos and more. Owls are commonly known for their distinctive hoots which can be loud, quiet, soft and brash depending on the reason for the hoot and the species of owl. So, the main question we will answer in this article is…
Why do owls hoot?
Owls hoot as a form of communication. This communication can be between potential mates, mated pairs, strangers and predators. Every different sound an owl creates conveys a different message, and these range from defending territory, impressing a potential mate, fending off predators, or communication between established pairs.
In this article we will be looking at 5 main reasons for owls to hoot.
- Claim territory or fend off intruders from entering
- Established mating pairs communication
- Scare off predators
- Searching for a mate
- Familiarise with nearby local owls
Territorial Hoots
The most common reason for owls to hoot is due to territory. Owls are very vocal when they are fending off intruders that have entered their territory or come close to their nest site. It can be difficult for owls to establish nest sites so once this has been claimed, male owls will hoot to make it known to nearby owls that it has been claimed. Owls are also extremely territorial when they have their babies in the nest because they are trying to protect their owlets. They will hoot to protect them from predators, as other owls and birds will kill owlets, or steal nest sites and the eggs.
Mating Pairs
As mentioned in my previous post here owls tend to mate for life and a sweet element to these pairings is that they have a special type of communication that they share between them to reaffirm their bond. This special little language allows the pair to have conversations in all kinds of scenarios. The female can hoot out to the male whilst he is out hunting, and share information about possible predators etc whilst he is away. Sometimes mated pairs only reconnect when it is mating season and otherwise they tend to go their separate ways for the rest of the year. This is very normal for owls and does not reflect the strength of the pairs bond, it is just a preference. Owl pairs will reconnect usually at their shared nest site that they have defended throughout the year to secure for nesting period. Once one of the pair has returned to mate, they will call out to their mate to ask them to return to their nest. If their shared nest site has been reclaimed throughout the year by other owl pairs, then they can still call out to one another and reconnect ready to find a new nest site ready for breeding.
Warn off Predators
When predators are getting too close for comfort, owls will often become vocal to warn the predator that they are aware of their presence and will fight back. These hoots tend to be longer, louder and more brash to exert power and strength into their hoot to scare off the predator.
Calls To Obtain a Mate
Owl mating calls are used to try and find a mate and this consists of a male owl copying the female owls hoots In succession. They use this to form a bond and decide whether to be mating pairs. This mating call also alerts other owls that two owls are performing a mating call ritual and therefore they should stay away. Male owls will announce themselves to females to let them know they are eligible bachelors and to lure the females into their territories. Females will often follow a males call to see if they are interested in the male as a mate, and they tend to engage in the mating call once the male has brought them dinner. The male owl is trying to impress the female by proving that he can hunt and bring prey back for her and their potential owlets.
Familiarity with other owls
Owl hoots are so specific and varied that they are used for individual owls to tell the difference between the other owls they are surrounded by. They may have had previous altercations with these other owls in their nearby environment or perhaps they have never had any altercations but have always lived side by side with these other owls. This means they become aware of the other owls sounds and they can tell them apart. Owls can decipher whether an owl is a stranger or a neighbouring owl just by the sound of their hoot, and if this hoot is unfamiliar then they are immediately aggressive and vocal in their response. Each owl has a specific sound made up of a consistent style per individual similar to the way that humans have different voices, tones, pitches and exclamations that tell them apart.
An Inspection call is used when an owl approaches a new owl and they try and figure each other out. This is often an interesting set of vocalisations such as gurgles rather than outright hoots.
In conclusion, owls hoot for a multitude of reasons but the overall meaning of their vocalisations relate to communication. It is how owls talk to their mates, defend their nests, care for their young and relate to their neighbours. An owl hoot is an owls personality, it is their individualisation and it is how they survive and thrive!