Oregon is home to a diverse array of bird species, some of which are known for their screeching vocalizations at night. In this article, we will explore some of the most common nocturnal bird species that screech in Oregon and discuss why they vocalize at night.
Great Horned Owl
One of the most common sources of nighttime screeches in Oregon is the great horned owl (Bubo virginianus). This large, powerful owl has a deep, booming hoot that can be heard up to 3 miles away. Male great horned owls begin hooting in late fall or early winter to establish territories and attract mates. Their low, resonant hoots are often described as “who-who-who-whooooo.” Females also hoot, but at a higher pitch than males. In addition to their territorial hooting, great horned owls may screech or scream to communicate with their mate or offspring.
Screech Owls
True to their name, screech owls are known for their eerie, shrill calls at night. Two species of screech owl occur in Oregon: the western screech owl (Megascops kennicottii) and the eastern screech owl (Megascops asio). They produce a haunting, whinnying cry – “kee-yow” – that descends in pitch at the end. This advertising call serves to establish territories and attract mates. Screech owls also screech when they feel threatened or distressed. Their vocalizations carry surprisingly far, allowing them to communicate over long distances.
Barn Owls
Another owl famous for its screeches is the barn owl (Tyto alba). Barn owls emit a blood-curdling, raspy scream to communicate with their mate or young. They tend to screech most often just before breeding season gets underway in late winter and early spring. The screeches of barn owls are often described as sounding like shrieking children or cats fighting. Because of this creepy vocalization, barn owls are associated with haunted houses and graveyards in many myths and legends.
Nighthawks
While not a true hawk, the common nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) does make its presence known with loud vocalizations at dawn and dusk. Also known as “bull bats,” nighthawks have an unmistakable “peent” call that rings out as they swoop through the twilight sky. The male’s display consists of a deep booming sound, followed by a quick peent. Females lack the boom and just make the peent call. Nighthawks may screech to defend their nesting territories or when diving at intruders.
Common Poorwills
The common poorwill (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii) is a nightjar species closely related to the nighthawk. During the breeding season, male poorwills advertise their territories with a repetitive poor-will call that rings out through the night. They also make screeching, guttural chatter calls when defending their nest sites. Poorwills go silent during migration and winter, perhaps to avoid detection by predators.
Northern Saw-whet Owls
One of Oregon’s smallest owl species, the northern saw-whet owl (Aegolius acadicus) is named for its eerie, screeching call. Their monotonous, whining toots sound like the whetting of a saw blade. Saw-whets are most vocal during breeding season from late winter to early spring. Males toot steadily throughout the night to declare ownership of a nest cavity and attract a mate. Females may also vocalize with a lower-pitched too-too-too call. The saw-whet’s voice belies its tiny size.
Flammulated Owls
Closely related to saw-whet owls, flammulated owls (Psiloscops flammeolus) also make their presence known with nocturnal screeches. Their haunting, repetitive hooting notes sound like “hoodilly-doo” or “whoo-hoo-aw.” Males hoot constantly from dusk until dawn during spring breeding season. Their territorial calls are higher-pitched than saw-whets. Flammulated owls screech loudly when defending their nests. Their eerie voices in the darkness help these tiny owls sound much bigger than they really are.
Barred Owls
Known for their raucous hooting at night, barred owls (Strix varia) have expanded their range westward and are now common in Oregon. Often described as “who cooks for you,” their hoots start with around 8 notes and end in a trailing oo-aw. Barred owls vocalize year-round, but are most vocal during courtship and nesting from late winter through mid-spring. Both males and females hoot to defend territories and attract mates. In addition to hoots, barred owls may shriek when agitated. Nesting pairs screech and mew to communicate with each other and their young.
Spotted Owls
The threatened northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) inhabits old-growth forests in Oregon and other parts of the Pacific Northwest. Spotted owls have a range of vocalizations, from soft hoots to loud screeches. Their haunting hoots sound like “hoo hoo hoo hoo hoo hooooaaaah.” This territorial hooting ramps up during breeding season. Spotted owls are known to aggressively screech at barred owls encroaching on their territories. These loud screeches serve to intimidate competitors.
Long-eared Owls
Long-eared owls (Asio otus) are slim, medium-sized owls named for their prominent ear tufts. They are nocturnal hunters that roost in dense vegetation during the day. Though less vocal than many other owl species, long-eared owls do screech when agitated or defending a nest. Their screeches are piercing and raspy. Males also hoot during courtship displays, making a deep “oooo” sound with a quavering end note. Their primary call is a barking “hoo” repeated every 1-2 seconds.
Short-eared Owls
The short-eared owl (Asio flammeus) is a grassland species that nests on the ground. As their name suggests, they have barely noticeable ear tufts. Short-eared owls are most vocal during courtship displays, when the male performs a dramatic sky dance accompanied by deep hoots and wheezing cries. Females may screech a harsh “kee-ow” when defending the nest. Short-eared owls also bark and shriek when mobbed by other birds.
Western Screech Owls
The western screech owl (Megascops kennicottii) is a stocky, small owl with ear tufts. It occurs in wooded habitats across much of western North America. As its name suggests, this owl is known for its screechy, whinnying call – “kee-yow” – that descends in pitch. Western screech owls vocalize year-round, but screech most often during the breeding season to advertise territories and attract mates. Both males and females screech, with males’ voices pitched slightly lower. Screech owls may also screech when alarmed or defending their nests.
Great Gray Owls
One of the largest North American owl species, the great gray owl (Strix nebulosa) makes its home in boreal forests. Great gray owls emit occasional screeches, especially when defending their nests. However, their primary vocalization is a deep, rhythmic hooting. Males’ advertisement calls sound like “hoo-hoo-ooo” repeated every 3-8 seconds. Great gray owls are most vocal on their breeding grounds between March and July. Their large facial disks help direct sound and allow their territorial calls to carry long distances.
Elf Owls
Tiny elf owls (Micrathene whitneyi) inhabit the arid Southwest but may rarely occur in southern Oregon. Despite weighing just 1.5-2 ounces, they have loud voices. Elf owls make a long, squeaky “toot” note that drops in pitch at the end. Males toot repeatedly through the night during spring courtship. Both sexes add chatter and whistles to their repertoire when defending nests. Elf owls screech harshly when alarmed or mobbed by other birds. Their big voices help compensate for their very small size.
Burrowing Owls
Burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia) live in open grasslands across much of North America. They nest underground in abandoned burrows. With their round heads and long legs, burrowing owls have a distinctive appearance. They also have a raspy call that rises in pitch described as a “coo-kow.” Male burrowing owls make this call endlessly through the night during breeding season. Females may join in with a snore-like sound. Burrowing owls shriek loudly when alarmed to signal danger to their mate and young.
Northern Hawk Owls
Northern hawk owls (Surnia ulula) breed in forests across Canada and Alaska and sometimes irrupt south into Oregon during winter. Despite their name, they are not true hawks. Northern hawk owls are slim, long-tailed owls that inhabit boreal forests. They have an extensive repertoire of vocalizations, including screeches, barks, whistles and hoots. Males advertise territories with a repetitive series of clear whistles. Both sexes screech when defending nests or feeling threatened. Hawk owls may also make a disturbing, wailing scream when captured.
Boreal Owls
Another northern species, the boreal owl (Aegolius funereus) preys on small mammals in northern forests. They have bold white “eyebrow” markings over their yellow eyes. Though seldom seen, boreal owls can be heard vocalizing with a series of staccato hoots. Their rhythmic calls sound like “whoop, whoop, whoop.” Males call constantly to advertise territories during courtship season. Females join in with a lower-pitched hoot. Boreal owls screech stridently when threatened, serving notice that their nest tree is occupied.
Conclusion
Oregon’s diverse owl species are well-known for their wide repertoire of hoots, screeches and screams that echo through the darkness. Male owls often hoot repeatedly to declare ownership of their territories or attract mates during breeding season. Female owls may join in with higher-pitched vocalizations. Agitated screeching tends to arise when owls feel threatened or need to defend their nest sites. Other nocturnal bird species like nighthawks and poorwills contribute their own eerie cries to Oregon’s night soundscape. The next time you hear odd calls in the night, take a moment to appreciate the voices of owls and other remarkable night birds.