Ontario’s diverse birdlife includes many species of owls and hawks, each with unique vocalizations. This listicle compares the calls of prominent Ontario owls and hawks, providing detailed insights for birdwatchers, naturalists, and anyone interested in identifying these raptors by sound.
Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
The Great Horned Owl is one of Ontario’s most iconic owls, recognized by its deep, resonant hoots. Its call is a series of low-pitched, rhythmic hoots, usually in a pattern of five to eight notes, often described as “hoo-hoo hoo hoo hoo.” This vocalization is primarily territorial and can be heard year-round, especially at dusk and dawn, making it a reliable auditory marker for nocturnal birders.
Barred Owl (Strix varia)
The Barred Owl’s call is distinctive for its clear, melodic pattern often transcribed as “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?” It is a series of hoots with varying pitches and a somewhat conversational rhythm, differing notably from the Great Horned Owl’s deeper hoots. Barred Owls are vocal mostly at night but can call during the day, especially in spring and fall, helping birders identify wooded wetland habitats.
Eastern Screech-Owl (Megascops asio)
Smaller than the Great Horned and Barred Owls, the Eastern Screech-Owl’s call is a distinctive tremolo or whinny. The whinny is a descending series of notes that sound like a horse’s whinny, while the tremolo is a rapid, wavering trill. These calls serve both territorial and mating purposes and are often heard in suburban and forested areas across Ontario.
Long-eared Owl (Asio otus)
The Long-eared Owl produces a low, repetitive series of hoots, usually a monotone “hoo hoo hoo” repeated every few seconds. Their calls are less musical than the Barred Owl but more rhythmic than the Eastern Screech-Owl’s. These owls are secretive and primarily vocal during the breeding season, making their calls key for detecting their presence in dense coniferous forests.
Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus)
Unlike many owls, the Short-eared Owl is often active during the day and produces a distinctive, high-pitched “keek” or “kek-kek-kek” call, especially in flight. Their vocalizations are sharp and repetitive, used mainly during courtship flights over open fields and marshes. This species’ day-time calling behavior contrasts with the more nocturnal habits of other Ontario owls.
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
The Red-tailed Hawk’s call is a sharp, raspy scream often heard in movies as a generic “hawk” sound. It is a clear, descending “kee-eeeee-arr” lasting about one second, repeated at intervals. This call is used for territory defense and communication between mates, and is commonly heard during daylight hours in open habitats across Ontario.
Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)
Cooper’s Hawk produces a high-pitched, rapid series of “kik-kik-kik” notes, which can sound like a sharp chatter or scolding. Their calls escalate in intensity during the breeding season or when alarmed. These hawks are agile forest hunters, and their calls are important for signaling within dense wooded environments where visual contact is limited.
Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus)
The Sharp-shinned Hawk’s vocalization is similar to the Cooper’s but generally higher-pitched and more rapid, described as a sharp “kik-kik-kik” or “ki-ki-ki.” These calls occur mainly during nesting and territorial disputes. Because these hawks are secretive and fast, their vocalizations are often the best way to detect them in Ontario’s forests.
Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus)
The Broad-winged Hawk’s call is a high-pitched, piercing “kee-yer” or “kee-yah,” often heard during migration when large flocks (kettles) gather. Their vocalizations are more frequent in spring and fall, serving to maintain flock cohesion and communicate during flight. This call is distinct from the harsher screams of other hawks and is a hallmark of Ontario’s migratory raptor season.
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
Though not a hawk or owl, the Osprey is often confused with hawks and is included here for comparison. Its call is a sharp, repeated “chee-reee” or “kree-kree-kree,” used to signal alarm or communicate with mates and chicks. Ospreys are mostly vocal during the breeding season near water bodies, making their calls a useful identifier for anglers and birders in Ontario’s lakes and rivers.
How to Choose
When distinguishing between Ontario owl and hawk calls, consider the time of day and habitat. Owls are mostly nocturnal, with deep hoots or trills, while hawks call during daylight with sharper, more piercing screams or chatters. Familiarity with the rhythm, pitch, and pattern of calls is crucial; for example, the Great Horned Owl’s slow hoots contrast with the rapid chatter of a Cooper’s Hawk. Contextual clues—such as hearing calls over wetlands (Barred Owl or Short-eared Owl) or open fields (Red-tailed Hawk)—also aid identification. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you want to identify birds by their typical vocal style (hoot vs. scream) or by specific species’ call patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I hear owl calls during the day in Ontario?
Owls are primarily nocturnal, but some species like the Barred Owl and Short-eared Owl may call during the day, especially during breeding or migration seasons.
Q: How can I tell a hawk call from an owl call?
Hawk calls tend to be higher-pitched, sharp screams or chatters heard during the day, while owl calls are usually lower-pitched hoots or trills heard at night.
Q: Are all Great Horned Owl hoots the same?
No, individual Great Horned Owls may vary slightly in pitch and tempo, but the general pattern of five to eight deep hoots remains consistent for territorial communication.
Q: Why do Barred Owls sound like they’re asking “Who cooks for you?”
This memorable phrase is a human mnemonic for their distinctive hooting rhythm, which helps birdwatchers recall their pattern and pitch.
Q: Do hawks use calls to communicate with their young?
Yes, species like the Red-tailed Hawk and Cooper’s Hawk use vocalizations to communicate with mates and offspring, especially during nesting.
Q: Can hearing calls help locate rare or secretive raptors?
Absolutely. Many elusive species like the Long-eared Owl or Sharp-shinned Hawk are more often detected by their characteristic calls than by sight.
Final Thoughts
Ontario’s owls and hawks offer a rich variety of calls that serve as invaluable tools for identification and understanding behavior. Recognizing the deep hoots of the Great Horned Owl, the melodic phrases of the Barred Owl, or the sharp screams of the Red-tailed Hawk can enhance your birding experience. By paying attention to call patterns, pitch, time of day, and habitat, you can confidently distinguish these fascinating raptors and deepen your connection with Ontario’s wild landscapes.
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