If your nights sound a little more mysterious lately, you’re not imagining things—owl season is here. From late summer into fall, owls across North America are suddenly more vocal, filling the evening air with hoots, trills, screeches, and haunting calls. But why are owls so chatty this time of year? And what exactly are they saying? Let’s decode the secrets of owl calls just in time for fall birdwatching.
Why Owls Get Louder in Fall
Unlike songbirds, who sing to attract mates in spring, owls ramp up their vocal activity in late summer and fall. This seasonal soundscape serves several important purposes:
1. Territory Claims. Owls are fiercely territorial. As juveniles disperse from their parents’ nests, adults reassert control of their hunting grounds. A hoot is basically an owl’s way of saying, “Back off—this patch of woods is mine.”
2. Courtship Warm-Ups. Some owl species, like Great Horned Owls, start their pair-bonding rituals in fall. Early duets between male and female owls are like rehearsals for the real show: nesting season in winter.
3. Juvenile Practice. Young owls hatched in spring are still learning the ropes. Their calls can sound wobbly, squeaky, or downright silly as they practice adult hoots. (Think of it as owl karaoke night.)
Common Owls You’ll Hear This Fall
Great Horned Owl
The classic deep “hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo.” They’re America’s most widespread owl, and their booming hoots carry for miles.
Barred Owl
Famous for the “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?” call. These owls sound like they’re perpetually hosting a backwoods dinner party.
Eastern Screech-Owl
Despite the name, they don’t really screech. Instead, listen for a spooky descending whinny or soft trills, often mistaken for horses at night.
Barn Owl
Known as the “ghost owl” for their pale faces and eerie screams. One shriek and you’ll understand why people once thought they were omens.
What the Calls Mean
- Single Hoots = “This is my territory.”
- Duets = “We’re a pair, and we’re ready for nesting.”
- Juvenile Squeaks = “I’m still figuring this out, don’t judge me.”
- Screams/Trills = Alarm calls, often warning off predators or rivals.
By tuning in to the night chorus, you can actually get a glimpse into the hidden lives of owls without ever seeing them.
Tips for Hearing Owls This Season
1. Go Outside at Dusk or Just Before Dawn. Owls are most vocal in twilight hours.
2. Turn Off the Lights. Owls avoid well-lit spaces; let the night go dark.
3. Listen Near Wooded Areas or Open Fields. These are prime owl habitats.
4. Be Patient. Owls can sit silently for long stretches, then erupt in calls.
Pro tip: record the calls on your phone and run them through bird ID apps like Merlin. You’ll instantly know if that’s a Great Horned Owl or a Barred Owl arguing over the neighborhood buffet of mice.
Fun Owl Facts to Impress Your Friends
- An owl’s call can travel up to a mile on a quiet night.
- Great Horned Owls are among the earliest nesting birds in North America—sometimes laying eggs in January!
- Owls can rotate their heads 270 degrees, but no, they can’t spin all the way around (leave that to the movies).
Why This Matters for Bird Lovers
Fall is frequently recognized as the season of migration, but it is also a time of fascination with owls. By listening carefully, you can participate in an age-old autumn ritual that connects us to the natural rhythms taking place just beyond our porch lights.
So next time you step outside and hear a hoot echoing in the crisp night air, pause. Somewhere nearby, an owl is speaking its truth. And now, you’ll know what it’s saying.