There are many types of birds that are active and vocal at night. Determining which bird is making noise after dark first requires listening carefully to identify unique features of the call. Pitch, tone, rhythm, repetition, and volume may provide clues to identify the nighttime noisemaker. The time of night and location or habitat can also help narrow down the list of likely suspects. Some birds are early-evening singers while others prefer the late-night hours before dawn. With keen listening skills and a bit of detective work, you can put a name to the bird keeping you awake.
Common Nighttime Vocalizations
Here are some descriptions of frequent nighttime bird noises to listen for:
- Low, booming “hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo” – This baritone hooting often comes from a male Barred Owl. The call starts low and ends down-slurred.
- High, clear whistles – Listen for a series of whistles rising and falling in pitch. This may be a Northern Cardinal communicating with its mate after dark.
- Repetitive, nasal “peent” call – The distant “peent” is often given by an American Woodcock flying overhead during its crepuscular (dawn and dusk) mating displays.
- Chattering mix of clicks, whistles, trills – Common Nighthawks make a jumble of sounds when diving and swooping for insects at dusk and dawn.
- Musical, fluty tweets – Hear a melody of flute-like notes and trills? It may be a Swainson’s Thrush singing in the moonlight.
- Piercing screeches – Listen for a shrieking “kee-yow” or screams. Could be a Barn Owl or a Ring-billed Gull.
If you can match the unknown nightbird to one of these common vocalizations, you may have solved the mystery! Read on for more details on the habitual hooters.
Owls
Many owls are nocturnal and vocalize primarily at night. Strange hoots, screeches, or other bizarre calls in the darkness often come from different owl species. Here are some of the most common owls heard calling after dark:
Barred Owl
The Barred Owl lives in woodlands across the United States and Canada. These chunky, round-headed owls get their name from the horizontal brown and white stripes on their chests. Barred Owls have large, dark eyes and whitish beaks. Their loud, resonant calls – “hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo” – are a signature sound of old forests. Males give deep, sometimes raspy hoots to claim territories and attract mates. The calls start low and end down-slurred. Barred Owls may also make cackles, gurgles, and screams. They often call back and forth dramatically when defending territories. Calling peaks between February and June, but can occur year-round. Listen for the “who cooks for you” calls of Barred Owls echoing through woodlands at night.
Eastern Screech-Owl
The Eastern Screech-Owl is a small owl with big yellow eyes and ear tufts. It’s named for its eerie, shivering whinny call. This nocturnal hunter lives in wooded areas of eastern North America. Screech-Owls eat small rodents, insects, and other prey. To call a mate or defend its territory, the Eastern Screech-Owl gives a haunting, trembling whinny or soft woobbling. The call rises or falls in pitch and lasts up to 3 seconds. Listen for these quavering calls in the nighttime woods.
Great Horned Owl
Powerful and widespread, the Great Horned Owl lives across much of North and South America. It has large ear tufts, a white throat, and big yellow eyes. Great Horneds are among the earliest nesting birds – females may begin incubating eggs in late January or February. At this time, listen for the male’s deep, booming “hoo-hoo-hooo-hoo” call. It uses this resonant hoot to declare territory and bond with the female. The Great Horned Owl may also give a shorter, higher-pitched hoot. Its repertoire includes shrieks, screams, hisses, and bill-snapping. Deep, rhythmic hoots in the cold of early spring often belong to a Great Horned Owl.
Northern Saw-whet Owl
The tiny Northern Saw-whet Owl breeds across North America and may winter as far south as Mexico. This robin-sized owl has a large, rounded head and golden eyes. Its short, whistled call has a distinctive rising-then-falling pattern. Listen for its tooting call – “toot, toot, toot” – repeated steadily for many minutes from forest thickets. Males call most frequently January-May while seeking mates and defending nest sites. The Northern Saw-whet Owl may also give a screechy, raspy scream when alarmed. This little owl punches above its weight with its iconic tooting call!
Barn Owl
Ghostly pale and long-legged, the Barn Owl occurs on six continents but is declining in numbers. It nests and roosts in old barns, sheds, and other structures. The Barn Owl is one of the most vocal nighttime owls. Its chilling scream – “kee-yow” – is characteristic. Barn Owls don’t hoot. They give an eerie, drawn out shriek or scream to communicate. This piercing cry may be mistaken for a woman screaming! Barn Owls also make hisses, snores, and other rattling sounds. Their screeching and shrieking can be scary, especially on a dark night.
Nighthawks
Two species of nighthawks occur in North America, the Common Nighthawk and the Lesser Nighthawk. Though not closely related to hawks, these cryptic birds are aerial insectivores with long, pointed wings. They feed on the wing at dawn and dusk, even after dark. In summer, listen for their distinctive buzzy, raspy peent calls as they dive and swoop high overhead.
Common Nighthawk
Common Nighthawks are found across North America in summer. They migrate to South America for winter. While hunting on long, pointed wings, nighthawks make a peent or beernt call. This nasal, buzzy note rises sharply at the end. Males may give a continuous peent for minutes or hours during breeding displays. The call peaks as the bird dives, then cuts off abruptly. Common Nighthawks also make a variety of clucks, croaks, and other sounds. Their spirited peents are a signature of warm summer nights.
Lesser Nighthawk
The Lesser Nighthawk occurs in the southwestern U.S. and parts of Mexico and South America. It looks much like the Common Nighthawk but has a white bar on its wings. Its nasal peent call is higher-pitched and more drawn out. Listen for the Lesser Nighthawk’s peeeenk rising out of the darkness over open country. After rapid peents, the bird sometimes levels out with a loud, throaty croak. Then the peenting resumes as it swoops and dives. The Lesser Nighthawk’s night flight calls add life to the desert at night.
Nightjars
Whip-poor-wills, Common Nighthawks, and other “nightjars” are aerial insectivores. They forage on the wing at dawn and dusk or moonlit nights. Many nightjars are best known for their loud, repetitive mating calls.
Whip-poor-will
Named for its incessant call, the well-camouflaged Whip-poor-will breeds across eastern North America. It spends days resting on the forest floor and launches into frenzied feeding flights at dusk. Beginning in late spring, Whip-poor-wills call all night. Each Whip-poor-will repeats its loud, rhythmic call hundreds of times an hour! Given by males when trying to attract females, the call starts with a low, breathy “whip.” Then the “poor” rises and falls, followed by a sharp “will.” Whip-poor-wills may call back and forth in counterpoint. This repetitive nightjar call is synonymous with warm summer nights.
Common Poorwill
In the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, Say’s Phoebe is replaced by the similar Common Poorwill. A nightjar, this species feeds on insects caught on the wing after dark. The Common Poorwill’s call is a loud “poor-will.” It repeats this call incessantly through the night. Given by males to attract females, the call starts emphatically with “POOR,” then drops on the second syllable. Poorwills go quiet during the full moon but resume noisy calling when the moon wanes again. Follow the poor-will call to find this strictly nocturnal bird.
Chuck-will’s-widow
The Chuck-will’s-widow calls by night across the southeastern and south-central U.S. This large, brown nightjar has a big head and wide mouth fringed with stiff bristles. It gets its name from its loud, repetitive call. Each Chuck-will’s-widow calls “chuck-will’s-widow” or “chuck-widow” hundreds of times per hour all night! The call accelerates as the bird opens its mouth wide on each “chuck” and “widow.” The Chuck-will’s-widow’s incessant night call is a classic sound of southern forests.
Other Birds
Not just owls and nightjars vocalize after dark. Other bird species also call at night for various reasons. Here are a few examples:
Northern Cardinal
Bright red Northern Cardinals sing cheerily by day. But cardinals also sing at night, especially during a full moon. Under the moonlight, males may sing soft, warbled songs. Paired cardinals may also duet or counter-sing to reinforce their pair bond. Listen for gentle chirps, sweet whistles, and soft trills from cardinals under the midnight moon.
American Woodcock
The American Woodcock is a stocky, long-billed shorebird of eastern North America. Beginning in February, males perform spirited mating displays at dusk and dawn. The male’s nasal “peent” call grabs your attention. Then watch as he flies in big loops on twittering wingbeats. Distant peents come from high in the sky. Closer peents announce that a woodcock is about to spiral back to the ground. Follow the peents to spot this crepuscular performer.
Killdeer
Killdeer are shorebirds found across North America, often nesting in urban areas. If you hear a shrill, piercing “kee-yow” or “dee-dee” at night, listen for the killdeer’s ringing call doublet to identify it. Attentive killdeer parents may call after dark to warn flock members of danger or defend nest sites. The killdeer’s nighttime cry is very different from its sharp,Standard Notebook Service 1day piping daytime “kill-deer” call. But it’s unmistakably a killdeer.
Song Sparrow
Song Sparrows start singing early and keep at it late. This familiar backyard bird sings its sweet, variable melody up to 20 hours a day. Song Sparrows keep moderately active at night. You may hear one give a short nocturnal song or call notes after dark. Males may use soft night singing to reinforce pair bonds or guard mates. The Song Sparrow’s nighttime vocals are whisper songs compared to its daytime choruses.
Robin
Robins carol cheerfully by day. But sometimes they also sing at night. Both males and females may sing under the moonlight. Soft night singing may maintain pair bonds or defend nesting territories. Robins also give various nocturnal alarm calls and flight notes. Their thin, high-pitched nocturnal notes sound eerie compared to the whistled daytime calls. But robins occasionally speak up after dark.
Ruffed Grouse
Male Ruffed Grouse drum exuberantly at dawn and dusk, especially in spring. Perched on a log, they beat their wings rapidly to make a reverberating “thump, thump, thump.” The drumming carries long distances. In fall and winter, Ruffed Grouse may drum sporadically all day and night. This includes drumming after dark to relocate flock members. Distinctive nocturnal thumping often betrays a roosting grouse.
Nocturnal Chatter
As evening approaches, diurnal birds like doves, sparrows, and finches grow silent. These daytime birds settle in to roost. Meanwhile, nocturnal species emerge to hunt under cover of darkness. As they begin foraging, nocturnal birds also communicate with various calls. Listen for these nocturnal sounds:
- Eastern screech-owls – Trembling whinnies
- Great horned owls – Rhythmic hoots
- Nighthawks – Nasal peents
- Whip-poor-wills – Endless repetitions of whip-poor-will
- Killdeer – Piercing kee-yow cries
- Cardinals – Soft warbled songs
- Robins – Thin, wiry calls
- Grouse – Intermittent wing drumming
As the moon rises, the night shift takes over. Nocturnal species vocalize under cover of darkness for similar reasons as diurnal birds. Their calls defend territories, attract mates, and communicate. This nocturnal chorus resounds until dawn, when daytime birds once again greet the morning with song.
Identifying Nighttime Bird Calls
When trying to identify an unknown nighttime bird call:
- Note the time – Is it early or late night? Near dusk or dawn?
- Listen closely – Is the call a hoot, whistle, screech, peent, repetitive phrase?
- Note rhythm, pace, pitch, volume – Helpful identification clues
- Consider the location – In woods, near water, in town? Habitat narrows options.
- Think seasonally – Use seasonal occurrence to rule out migrants.
With close listening and some detective work, you can learn to identify birds by ear, even at night. Then you’ll know which bird is responsible for those late-night hoots, shrieks or peents!
Nocturnal Bird Watching Tips
Interested in observing birds after dark? Here are some tips:
- Use a flashlight/headlamp to spot night feeders or roosting owls.
- Listen passively without light which may frighten birds.
- Try using handheld or phone apps to playback calls.
- Begin with common vocal species like owls, nightjars, cardinals.
- Head out during nesting season when birds are most vocal.
- Pick a location like a forest trail or edge for best accessibility.
- Have patience! Darkness reduces birds’ wariness, improving viewing chances.
Nocturnal observation takes more effort but offers insight into birds’ unseen nightlife. You may discover roosting owls, singing cardinals, displaying woodcocks or foraging nightjars. A different world awaits after sunset for those willing to peer into the night!
Nighttime Birding Locations
Prime birding spots for a nighttime auditory adventure:
Forest Trails
Forested nature preserves and park trails are ideal for night birding.
- Owls call to defend territories and attract mates.
- Whip-poor-wills and other nightjars forage overhead.
- Woodcocks peent and twitter during aerial displays.
- Grouse may drum sporadically throughout the night.
Moonlit woodland hikes can reveal fascinating after-dark activity!
Water’s edge
Lakesides, ponds, and shorelines offer front-row seats to nighttime hunters.
- Listen for gulls calling while foraging after dark.
- Killdeer shriek territorial calls over the water.
- Herons night-feed with eerie squawks.
- Ducks quack softly from dark marsh nests.
Water draws birds under the moonlight. Head to urban lakes or coastal marshes and use your ears.
Backyard
For easy accessibility, listen from your backyard after sunset.
- Owls may hunt or screech within earshot.
- Night-foraging birds swoop overhead.
- Robins sing soft night songs.
- Cardinals may duet back and forth.
Familiar birds reveal their nightside right at home!
Night Vision Gear
Optics like binoculars and spotting scopes excel for daylight birding. But for observing birds after dark, consider these night vision aids:
Flashlights and Headlamps
A bright handheld flashlight or headlamp can help spotlight birds. Look for eye shine from roosting owls or night-feeding waterbirds. But use light judiciously, as it may disturb or blind birds.
Night Vision Binoculars and Goggles
Specially designed night vision binoculars amplify ambient light to clearly view night activity. Look for models with infrared illuminators to brighten the viewing field. Similarly, night vision goggles help scan the night sky for displaying nighthawks and nightjars. This gear comes at a high price but takes nocturnal viewing to the next level.
Thermal Imagers
Thermal imaging cameras detect infrared radiation from warm-blooded animals. This allows users to see birds and other wildlife at night based on their body heat. Thermal imagers are pricey but can be a game-changer for hardcore after-dark viewing.
Nocturnal Challenges
Birding after dark poses unique challenges. Here are some considerations:
- Low light makes visually identifying birds difficult.
- Flashlights may startle light-sensitive species.
- Accessing areas safely can be harder at night.
- It’s easier to get turned around or lost in the dark.
- Nocturnal wildlife like bats, bugs and spiders abound!
- Late hours can make it hard to stay alert and focused.
Night hiking requires preparation and heightened awareness. But the rewards of experiencing birds after dark make facing the challenges worthwhile!
Nocturnal Benefits for Birds
Why do some birds vocalize and forage at night? Nocturnality provides advantages:
- Cooler temperatures reduce heat stress.
- Darkness provides cover from predators.
- Less competition for prey and other resources.
- Daytime niche already occupied by other species.
- Darkness reduces predation risk on eggs and young.
- Some prey only active at night.
Birds as diverse as parrots, hummingbirds, and sparrows have some nocturnal behaviors. Night is prime time for many species!
Nocturnal vs. Diurnal Birds
Birds fall along a continuum from fully nocturnal to strictly diurnal:
Nocturnal Species
Owls, nighthawks and nightjars have highly adapted vision, hearing, and physiology to operate optimally at night:
- Large eyes to gather low light
- Exceptional low-light vision
- Acute hearing to locate prey
- Cryptic plumage for camouflage
- Silent flight feathers
- Rearwards-facing ear openings
These traits make birds like owls supreme nighttime hunters.
Cathemeral Birds
Cathemeral species stay active 24 hours a day. They exhibit both nocturnal and diurnal activity. Many parrots and other tropical birds show cathemeral behaviors.
Crepuscular Birds
Crepuscular birds like American Woodcocks are most active during twilight periods at dawn and dusk.
Diurnal Birds
Most songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors feed and migrate during the day. Strictly diurnal species roost at night:
- Smaller eyes adapted to bright light
- Plumage often brightly colored
- Vision biased towards movement and colors
Diurnal birds avoid niche competition by separating their activity from nocturnal animals.
Nocturnal Bird Migration
Most migration occurs during daytime when conditions are optimal for extended flights. But some birds migrate after dark:
Advantages
- Cooler temperatures prevent overheating.
- Less turbulent air provides a smoother flight.
- Lack of thermal updrafts keeps flight more energy-efficient.
- Avoidance of some predators like hawks.
- Ability to use celestial navigation cues like stars.
Challenges
- Darkness makes navigation more difficult.
- Lack of thermals provides less power for staying aloft.
- Requires more energy reserves to keep flying all night.
- Need very precise internal navigation abilities.
- Exhaustion and disorientation risks increase.
Some owls, shorebirds, sparrows, warblers, and other species migrate after dark. But night migration is challenging and risky.
Famous Nocturnal Birdwatching Sites
Across North America, certain locales gain fame for exceptional night birding opportunities:
Leslie Street Spit, Toronto, Canada
This manmade peninsula on Lake Ontario attracts concentrations of migrating songbirds. Many sing vigorously after landing here during night flights across the lake.
High Island, Texas
Located on the Upper Texas Coast, this site provides rare access to view spectacular migrations of songbirds moving north from their Central and South American wintering grounds up through Texas. Moonlit spring nights deliver warblers, vireos, thrushes and more.
Mt. Lemmon, Arizona
Rising over 9,000 feet above Tucson, Mt. Lemmon in the Santa Catalina Mountains offers cool, lush mountain habitat. It’s a magnet for night migrants like owl and nighthawks. Saw-whet Owl and Common Poorwill breeds here.
Vermilion Cliffs, Arizona
This remote desert area along the Arizona-Utah border provides perfect habitat for Common Nighthawks and Poorwills. Watch aerial displays under starry skies.
Magee Marsh, Ohio
This famous migrant hotspot on Lake Erie funnels birds northward in spring. On nights with good conditions, small songbirds may descend to rest and refuel. Witness “fallouts” of warblers, thrushes, cuckoos and more.
Nocturnal Birdwatching Ethics
When observing birds after dark:
- Use lights sparingly and keep disturbance to a minimum.
- Avoid approaching nests, roosts, or display areas too closely.
- Never shine light directly into birds’ eyes.
- Keep noise levels low to avoid stressing birds.
- Watch ground for obstacles like roots to avoid tripping in darkness.
- Leave areas as you found them. Pick up any litter.
- Always give birds space and respect their nocturnal activities.
With good ethics, birders can explore the nighttime world of birds while ensuring continued dark skies for nature’s night shift.
Conclusion
The nighttime hours host a diverse array of bird species. Owls, nightjars, shorebirds, and songbirds all contribute to the nocturnal chorus. With patience and sharp ears, observers can identify the avian night callers. Seek out hotspots at optimal times to discover the world of birds after dark. Respectful, ethical nocturnal birding allows unique interaction with nature’s night shift. So tune your ears to the darkness and decipher the identities of birds that call the night their own.
