Watercolor portrait of Common Loon (Gavia immer)

What does the Common Loon sound like at night?

Gavia immer
Sounds at Night Heard after dark Common Resident

Press play. If that is the sound outside, you have your answer — the Common Loon's "ooo-AH-oooo".

“ooo-AH-oooo”

What you're hearing

A haunting, wavering call that rises and falls, often given at night or early morning on breeding lakes. Sounds like a wolf howl across water.

“ooo-AH-oooo”

Birders often file this one under Wail.

What time of night you hear it

Through the night on northern lakes, most hauntingly on calm, still water.

Most active during daylight hours, with distinctive calling often heard at night during breeding season.

Why a Common Loon calls at night

The long, rising wail is a contact call between birds across open water, and the tremolo is alarm. Loons are more vocal at night than by day, which is why the sound is inseparable from northern lakes after dark.

What else could it be?

The other voices you are most likely to hear in the dark. Play them and compare.

Barred Owl

Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?

Great Horned Owl

hoo-h'HOO hoo-hoo

Eastern Screech-Owl

tremolo trill

Common Loon night call FAQ

What does a Common Loon sound like at night?
A haunting, wavering call that rises and falls, often given at night or early morning on breeding lakes. Sounds like a wolf howl across water. Birders write it as "ooo-AH-oooo".
What time of night do you hear Common Loons?
Through the night on northern lakes, most hauntingly on calm, still water.
Why is a Common Loon calling at night?
The long, rising wail is a contact call between birds across open water, and the tremolo is alarm. Loons are more vocal at night than by day, which is why the sound is inseparable from northern lakes after dark.

More Common Loon sounds

Common Loon: the full species pageEvery sound we have, field marks, habitat and similar species.Weird Bird Sounds at Night, Identified: Screeches, Squeaks & Trills (With Audio)It is 2:00 AM. The house is quiet. Then: SQUEAK. SQUEAK. If you have landed here, you are probably hearing weird bird sounds at night and trying to decide whether to call a mechanic, a ghost hunter, or a birdwatcher.Birds Singing at Night: The 6 Species You're Probably Hearing (Hear Each Call)Hear birds singing in the middle of the night? From owls and nightjars to mockingbirds and robins, learn who sings after dark and how to tell them apart by ear.Winter Bird Sounds: 5 Calls to Learn While It's Cold OutsideWinter is actually the best time to learn bird sounds. Fewer species, quieter woods, and bare branches that carry sound farther. Here are 5 birds you'll hear this winter — and how to recognize them by ear.