Ontario’s diverse owl species produce distinct calls that are key for birdwatchers, researchers, and nature enthusiasts to identify them in the wild. This list covers the unique vocalizations of the most common owls found in Ontario, highlighting what makes each call special and how to recognize them. Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn or an experienced birder aiming to sharpen your skills, understanding these differences will improve your owl-spotting adventures.
Great Horned Owl
The Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) is one of Ontario’s most iconic owls, known for its deep, resonant hoots. Its classic call is a series of low-pitched hoots, often described as “hoo-h’HOO-hoo-hoo,” repeated at a steady rhythm. This call serves to establish territory and attract mates, making it one of the most recognizable owl sounds in the province, especially during late winter and early spring.
Barred Owl
The Barred Owl (Strix varia) is famous for its distinctive “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?” call, which sounds like a series of clear, rhythmic hoots. Unlike the Great Horned Owl’s deep hoots, the Barred Owl’s voice is softer and more melodious, with a rising and falling pattern that is easier to hear in dense forests. This vocalization helps distinguish it from other owls in Ontario’s mixed woodlands.
Eastern Screech-Owl
The Eastern Screech-Owl (Megascops asio) produces a unique trill or whinny-like call rather than a traditional hoot. Its most common sound is a descending, wavering trill lasting 2–3 seconds, which can sound eerie at night. This owl also emits a short, tremolo whistle, making it one of the more complex vocalizers among Ontario’s owls, often heard in suburban areas and woodlots.
Snowy Owl
The Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus), mostly seen in northern Ontario during winter, has a variety of calls that differ from the typical hoots. Its primary call is a deep, booming “hoo,” often followed by a series of hoots or barks. Males tend to call more frequently and with a stronger tone during breeding season, while females emit softer, shorter calls. These sounds help in locating the owls on open tundra or frozen landscapes.
Long-eared Owl
The Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) has a distinctive, low-pitched series of hoots repeated steadily, usually in a pattern of 8 to 12 hoots per phrase. Its call is more monotone and less musical than the Barred Owl, often described as a “hoo-hoo-hoo” with equal spacing. This species is more secretive and vocalizes mostly at dusk or dawn in dense coniferous forests, making its call a useful identification tool.
Short-eared Owl
The Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) is known for its harsh, raspy calls rather than melodic hoots. Its most common vocalization is a guttural “krooh” or “kroo” sound, especially during flight displays at dusk. Unlike most owls, it is often heard during daylight hours, especially on open fields and marshes in Ontario, making its vocalizations critical for detection.
Great Gray Owl
The Great Gray Owl (Strix nebulosa), a rare visitor in Ontario’s northern forests, produces a low, repetitive hoot that is slower and more hollow than the Great Horned Owl. Its call consists of deep, soft hoots spaced several seconds apart, often described as “whoo-whoo-whoo.” This owl’s vocalizations are subtle and less frequent, so hearing them is a special experience for birders in remote regions.
Northern Saw-whet Owl
The Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) has a distinctive tooting whistle repeated rapidly, often described as a “too-too-too-too” sound, with a pitch that rises and falls slightly. This call is short and high-pitched, making it stand out from the deeper hoots of larger owls. Saw-whets are small and secretive, so their vocalizations are essential for locating them in thick forests.
Boreal Owl
The Boreal Owl (Aegolius funereus), found in Ontario’s boreal forests, emits a soft, repetitive series of low-pitched toots, often numbering 8 to 15 per sequence. Its call is quieter and more evenly spaced than the Northern Saw-whet Owl’s, with a haunting quality. Because this owl is nocturnal and elusive, its vocal patterns are one of the best ways to confirm its presence.
Barred Owl Mimicry and Variations
Interestingly, the Barred Owl is known to mimic other owl calls and environmental sounds, which can sometimes confuse listeners. It can adjust its pitch and rhythm depending on context, occasionally producing calls that resemble the Great Horned Owl or other species. This vocal flexibility is worth noting for enthusiasts trying to differentiate calls in mixed owl habitats.
How to Choose
When identifying owl calls in Ontario, the key factors to consider are pitch, rhythm, repetition, and habitat context. Larger owls like the Great Horned and Barred Owls have deeper, slower hoots, while smaller species like the Northern Saw-whet and Eastern Screech-Owl produce higher-pitched, more rapid calls. Time of day and season also matter; some owls vocalize primarily at night or during breeding seasons. Using a quality audio recording or owl call app can aid in distinguishing subtle differences, but learning the unique patterns and tonal qualities is essential for accurate identification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can owl calls vary between individuals of the same species in Ontario?
Yes, individual owls may have slight variations in pitch and rhythm, but the general pattern remains consistent enough for species identification.
Q: When is the best time to hear owl calls in Ontario?
Most owls are most vocal during dusk, nighttime, and dawn, especially during the breeding season from late winter to early spring.
Q: Do owls in urban areas in Ontario call differently?
Owls like the Eastern Screech-Owl have adapted to urban environments, but their calls remain largely the same, though background noise can affect how we perceive them.
Q: How can I distinguish between a Barred Owl and Great Horned Owl call?
The Barred Owl has a more melodic, rhythmic “Who cooks for you?” pattern, whereas the Great Horned Owl’s hoots are deeper, slower, and more spaced out.
Q: Are Snowy Owl calls louder due to their open habitat?
Snowy Owl calls carry well over open tundra and frozen landscapes, but they are generally less frequent and more subtle compared to forest-dwelling owls.
Q: Can owl calls be used to estimate population sizes?
Yes, bioacoustic surveys that record and analyze owl calls are commonly used by researchers to estimate populations and monitor species presence.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the differences between Ontario owl calls enriches any wildlife experience, whether you’re hiking in remote forests or listening from your backyard. Each species’ unique vocal pattern not only aids in identification but also tells a story about their behavior, habitat, and ecology. With patience and practice, you can train your ear to recognize these nocturnal birds and deepen your connection to Ontario’s natural world.
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