Owls are nocturnal birds of prey that are known for their large eyes and ability to rotate their heads almost 360 degrees. They come in many different sizes and species, each with their own unique vocalizations used for communication and hunting. While some owl calls can sound like hoots, screeches or whistles, there is one particular species that makes a call that resembles the whine of a dog.
The Eastern Screech Owl
The owl species most well-known for its strange, dog-like whining is the Eastern Screech Owl (Megascops asio). This small owl, ranging from 6 to 10 inches in length, has ear tufts, yellow eyes and streaked brown plumage that provides great camouflage against tree bark. The Eastern Screech Owl is found throughout much of the eastern half of the United States as well as parts of Mexico and Canada.
The Eastern Screech Owl’s whinnying call, made by both males and females, is mainly heard during the breeding season from late winter through mid-summer. It is described as a long, wailing cry that drops in pitch and resembles the whine of a sad puppy. This unique vocalization serves several purposes:
- Defending territory – Eastern Screech Owls are very territorial and will make the whinny call to ward off intruders.
- Attracting mates – Males use the whinny call to attract females during courtship.
- Begging call of chicks – Baby Eastern Screech Owls emit a version of the whinny call when begging for food from their parents.
Here is an audio clip of the Eastern Screech Owl’s whinny call:
[insert audio clip]
While certainly an odd sound to hear coming from a bird, the Eastern Screech Owl’s whinny has earned it some unique nicknames such as the “Whistling Pup” and the “Squeaky Wheel Owl.”
Other Sounds of the Eastern Screech Owl
The Eastern Screech Owl does make other vocalizations beyond just the whinny call. Some of the other sounds in its repertoire include:
- Bouncing ball call – A accelerating series of short hoots, like a ball bouncing faster and faster, used in territorial displays and during courtship.
- Twittering tremolo – Rapid short notes sounding like a bouncing ping pong ball, used by both sexes when alarmed or agitated.
- Screech – A shrill, piercing cry the owl makes when highly alarmed, which gives this species its name.
- Clucking – A short, soft clucking sound used during courtship and to beg for food.
The Eastern Screech Owl may vocalize more frequently during the breeding season, but its various hoots, whistles and screeches can be heard year-round in areas where they are present.
Other Owls with Unusual Calls
While the Eastern Screech Owl has one of the most unique vocalizations, there are some other owl species with bizarre or surprising calls as well:
Barred Owl
The Barred Owl’s most well-known call is commonly described as “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?” sounding like a question. These owls actually have a large repertoire of vocalizations including cackles, hoots, caws and gurgles.
Barn Owl
One of the most widespread owl species, Barn Owls are known for their eerie, raspy screeching sounds that have been likened to shrieking women and cats fighting.
Great Gray Owl
This large, fluffy owl makes deep hooting calls that have an unusual rhythmic quality, going back and forth like someone sawing wood.
Northern Saw-whet Owl
A tiny owl species with a call that sounds like the squeaking of a saw being sharpened, giving this bird its common name.
Why Do Owls Make Such Unique Sounds?
Owls have specialized feathers and facial discs that help direct sound waves towards their ears, allowing them to hear prey moving around in darkness. But these adaptations also enable owls to produce unique calls unlike any other birds.
Here are some reasons why owls make such peculiar and sometimes jarring vocalizations:
- To establish territories – Many owl species are territorial and use vocalizations to warn rivals away.
- Courtship displays – Strange sounds attract mates and communicate readiness for breeding.
- Camouflage – Some owl calls mimic other animals so prey has trouble locating them.
- Communication with offspring – Baby owls beg for food with loud vocalizations directed at the parents.
- Disorienting prey – The dissonant, uneven quality of some calls confuses prey trying to pinpoint an owl’s location.
Owls don’t have songbirds’ sophisticated syrinx organs, so they make do with unusual hooting, screeching and whistling sounds. While they may seem random to human ears, each type of owl sound serves a specific purpose for the species.
Conclusion
The Eastern Screech Owl’s whinny call stands out as one of the most unique in the bird world, resembling the plaintive cry of a dog. But many owl species have distinctive sounds important for territorial defense, courtship and hunting nocturnal prey. The next time you hear an odd hooting, screeching or whistling at night, it just might be one of these vocal but elusive raptors.
