What does the Burrowing Owl sound like at night?
Press play. If that is the sound outside, you have your answer — the Burrowing Owl's "soft 'coo-coooo".
What you're hearing
A soft, dove-like cooing sound, repeated several times. Most frequently heard during breeding season, especially at dawn and dusk.
“soft 'coo-coooo”
Birders often file this one under Primary Call.
What time of night you hear it
From dusk into the night, from a fence post or a burrow mound in open country.
Unlike most owls, often active during daylight, especially at dawn and dusk. Breeding season in North America runs from March through April.
Why a Burrowing Owl calls at night
A soft, two-note coo-coooo, higher and gentler than most owls. Males call at night from near the burrow to advertise and hold the territory. Burrowing Owls are also active in daylight, which makes the night calling a surprise to people who have watched them stand around in the sun.
What else could it be?
The other voices you are most likely to hear in the dark. Play them and compare.