What does the Great Horned Owl song sound like?

Bubo virginianus

Song

Play the real Great Horned Owl song, the "hoo-h'HOO hoo-hoo", and learn what to listen for.

“hoo-h'HOO hoo-hoo”

What the Great Horned Owl song sounds like

The classic Great Horned Owl territorial song is a series of 3-8 deep hoots: often rendered as "hoo-h'HOO... hoo... hoo." The pattern is typically a longer first note, then two or more paired shorter hoots. Males have a lower-pitched hoot than females.

“hoo-h'HOO hoo-hoo”

Birders often file this one under Hooting.

How to find the bird singing it

Nearly any habitat with some trees or tall structures for nesting. Inhabits deciduous and evergreen forests, open woodlands, swamps, orchards, suburban neighborhoods, farm groves, grasslands with scattered trees, and even city parks. Avoids only extremely treeless tundra or dense rainforests.

Ear tufts: Large, pointed feather tufts on the head give it a 'horned' appearance. These tufts are not ears but aid in camouflage and signaling. When alert, the tufts are raised upright.
Yellow eyes: Brilliant yellow eyes set in a broad, gray-brown facial disk. The stare appears intense. (Note: A similar owl, the Barred Owl, has brown eyes.)
White throat patch: Distinct white patch on the throat (bib) that is especially visible when the owl hoots, as it expands with each hoot. Below the throat, the upper breast has heavy dark barring.

When you'll hear it

Spring

Owlets hatch and grow. Through early spring, downy nestlings can be heard begging at night. By late spring and early summer, juveniles venture out of the nest (branchers) and learn to hunt.

Summer

Fledged young continue to be fed by parents and gradually become independent hunters. Adults are relatively quiet now, as family groups stay in their territory. The owls molt and replace feathers during summer.

Fall

Young owls disperse to find their own territories by autumn. Adults may begin hooting more frequently as they re-establish territory boundaries once juveniles leave. Hunting remains good as many rodents are abundant post-harvest.

Winter

Courtship and breeding start. Pairs hoot back and forth on cold winter nights. They often claim old squirrel, hawk, or crow nests for use. By late winter, females are incubating eggs while males hunt and bring food.

Don’t confuse it with

Birds whose song gets mistaken for this one. Play them back to back.

Barred Owl

No ear tufts; round-headed appearance. Barred Owls have dark eyes and a fully streaked/barred chest without a white throat patch. Their call is a rhythmic "who cooks for you" hooting, different from the Great Horned’s classic hoot pattern.

Great Horned Owl song FAQ

What does a Great Horned Owl song sound like?

How do I tell a Great Horned Owl from a Barred Owl by ear?

Barred Owl: No ear tufts; round-headed appearance. Barred Owls have dark eyes and a fully streaked/barred chest without a white throat patch. Their call is a rhythmic "who cooks for you" hooting, different from the Great Horned’s classic hoot pattern.; Barred Owls prefer deep woods and are slightly smaller. They are generally less aggressive and not found in as wide a range of open habitats as Great Horneds..

When is the best time to hear the Great Horned Owl song?

This owl nests very early in the year. Courtship and mating happen in mid-winter (Dec–Feb), with pairs hooting duets. They often use old nests of other birds. Eggs are incubated in late winter, and owlets hatch by early spring. Through summer the young mature and disperse by fall. In winter, adults call frequently to establish territory. Primarily nocturnal year-round, but in winter they may be heard calling at dusk and dawn more often.

More Great Horned Owl sounds

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