The Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) is a medium-sized owl found throughout much of the world. These owls are known for their distinctive calls, which are often described as a barking or hooting sound.
Typical Vocalizations
The most common vocalization made by Short-eared Owls is a series of short, rhythmic hoots or barks. This territorial call is made by both male and female owls throughout the year. It often sounds like “hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo” and can be heard from over half a mile away on quiet nights.
Here is a description of some typical Short-eared Owl vocalizations:
- Territorial Call – A series of 8-10 rhythmic hoots or barks, sounding like “hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo.” This call is made while perched or in flight.
- Alarm Call – A sharp bark, sounding like “bark” or “yip.” This call is made to signal danger or threats.
- Begging Calls – Made by young owls, this is a raspy screech or whine used to beg for food from parents.
- Contact Call – Softer hoots and barks used for communication between mates and young.
- Nest Defense Call – Loud screeches and barks made when defending the nest.
The territorial hooting call is most frequently heard during the breeding season and is thought to be made primarily by males to establish territories and attract mates. Both sexes will make alarm calls when threatened. Begging calls from young owls in the nest become more frequent as they get older and more demanding of food.
Sound Clips of Short-eared Owl Vocalizations
Here are some sound clips that demonstrate the various vocalizations of the Short-eared Owl:
Territorial Call
The rhythmic hooting territorial call of a male Short-eared Owl.
Alarm Call
A Short-eared Owl makes a loud barking alarm call when threatened.
Begging Call
The raspy, whining begging calls of young Short-eared Owls in a nest.
Nest Defense Call
A series of loud screeches as a Short-eared Owl defends its nest.
When Are the Calls Usually Heard?
The Short-eared Owl has a nearly worldwide distribution and can be found across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Its vocalizations can be heard year-round, but are most frequent during the breeding season which occurs at different times across its range:
- Northern populations: March to July
- Southern populations: October to March
- Coastal populations: February to July
The territorial hooting and contact calls are primarily made leading up to and during breeding. Begging calls are commonly heard once eggs hatch in the nest. Alarm calls and nest defense vocalizations may occur any time the owls feel threatened.
Short-eared Owls are most vocal during the first few hours after sunset and before sunrise. Their calls carry well on calm, quiet nights. During the day, these owls are rarely heard.
Purpose and Use of Vocalizations
Like other owl species, Short-eared Owls do not have true songbirds’ syrinxes. They produce their sounds by vibrating membranes in their throats and expelling air from their beaks. Their wide range of vocalizations are important for communication and territoriality.
Some specific purposes of Short-eared Owl vocalizations include:
- Territorial Calls – Used to establish and defend nesting territories. Communicates ownership of an area.
- Pair Contact – Softer hoots and barks used to keep in touch with a mate and reinforce the pair bond.
- Begging Calls – Made by fledglings to tell parents they are hungry. Becomes more intense as hunger increases.
- Alarm Calls – Signals to other owls that a threat or predator is approaching.
- Nest Defense – Aggressive vocalizations aid in driving away potential predators from the nest.
Understanding the sounds made by Short-eared Owls provides insight into their breeding biology and behavior. Unique calls like the rhythmic territorial hooting make identification easier for ornithologists and bird enthusiasts. Vocal monitoring can even be used to track Short-eared Owl populations and assess habitat use over time.
Similar Species
When trying to identify a Short-eared Owl by sound, it is helpful to compare its calls to those of similar owl species that may overlap in range:
Species | Call Description |
---|---|
Short-eared Owl | Rhythmic, barking hoots |
Long-eared Owl | Low, hooting calls |
Northern Saw-whet Owl | High-pitched, whistling calls |
Barn Owl | Harsh screeches and hisses |
As this comparison shows, the Short-eared Owl’s distinct territorial call makes it one of the easier owls to identify by sound alone. The rhythm and repetition of its hooting stand out from the calls of related species.
Conclusion
In summary, the Short-eared Owl produces a variety of vocalizations used for communication, territoriality, and signaling alarm. Its most recognizable call is a rhythmic, barking hoot given repeatedly to establish nesting territories. Alarm calls, begging calls, and nest defense calls are also common. These vocalizations are heard most often around dusk and dawn during the breeding season. Understanding the sounds of the Short-eared Owl provides valuable information about the behavior and biology of this widespread owl species.
In conclusion, the Short-eared Owl is characterized by its distinctive rhythmic, hooting territorial call, which sounds like “hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo.” This call is often made in flight and carries well over long distances. Other vocalizations include a sharp barking alarm call and raspy begging calls from young owls. These vocalizations aid in communication, territoriality, and breeding. By learning the sounds of the Short-eared Owl, observers and ornithologists can better identify and study this medium-sized owl species found around the world.