Ontario is home to a fascinating variety of nocturnal birds, especially owls, whose haunting calls fill the night air. This list highlights some of the most notable nocturnal birds in Ontario known for their distinctive owl calls, perfect for birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the province’s nighttime wildlife.
Great Horned Owl
The Great Horned Owl is one of Ontario’s most iconic nocturnal birds, known for its deep, resonant hoots often described as “hoo-h’HOO-hoo-hoo.” This large owl is highly adaptable, inhabiting forests, urban areas, and farmland. Its powerful call is frequently heard during the breeding season and serves as a territorial signal to other owls.
Barred Owl
Famous for its distinctive call that sounds like “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?”, the Barred Owl is common in Ontario’s mature forests. Unlike many owls, it often vocalizes during the day but is primarily nocturnal. Its hooting pattern is one of the easiest to identify and is a favorite among birders exploring wooded areas at night.
Eastern Screech-Owl
The Eastern Screech-Owl is a small but vocal resident of Ontario’s woodlands and suburban areas. Its calls range from a descending whinny to a soft, eerie trill. Despite the name, its call is more of a tremulous whistle than a scream, and it often uses these vocalizations to communicate with mates or establish territory.
Great Gray Owl
The Great Gray Owl, Ontario’s largest owl by length, has a distinctive low, rolling hoot that can carry for long distances in dense boreal forests. Though less common than other species, it can be found in the northern parts of the province. Its deep, hollow calls often echo through the night, signaling its presence in remote wilderness areas.
Long-eared Owl
Characterized by its slender build and prominent ear tufts, the Long-eared Owl produces a series of low, muffled hoots, typically in rhythmic patterns. This species is secretive and prefers dense coniferous forests and thickets, making its calls a key way to detect it. It is primarily nocturnal and uses vocalizations to communicate during the breeding season.
Short-eared Owl
Unlike many other owls, the Short-eared Owl is often active at dusk and dawn, with a distinctive, repetitive bark-like call. It frequents open habitats such as marshes, grasslands, and agricultural fields across Ontario. Its calls are less hooty and more harsh, helping birders distinguish it from other owl species.
Snowy Owl
Although primarily a diurnal hunter, the Snowy Owl is included due to its occasional nocturnal activity and presence in northern Ontario during winter. It produces a deep, booming hoot and a variety of other vocalizations like whistles and barks. Its striking white plumage and unique calls make it a spectacular sight and sound during Ontario’s colder months.
Northern Saw-whet Owl
The Northern Saw-whet Owl is a small, secretive owl with a distinctive, repetitive tooting call often described as a ‘‘series of high-pitched whistles.’’ Found in Ontario’s mixed and coniferous forests, its call is one of the few ways to detect this elusive bird at night. Its vocalizations increase in frequency during the breeding season, making it a favorite for nocturnal bird surveys.
Common Nighthawk
While not an owl, the Common Nighthawk is a notable nocturnal bird in Ontario known for its distinctive nasal “peent” call during flight at dusk. It is a member of the nightjar family and often heard over open areas, wetlands, and urban settings. Its calls and aerial acrobatics make it a unique addition to Ontario’s night sounds.
Chuck-will’s-widow
Though rare and mostly found in southern Ontario, the Chuck-will’s-widow is a fascinating nocturnal bird with a distinctive, repetitive call that sounds like its name. This nightjar species prefers open woodlands and is most vocal during spring and summer nights. Its rhythmic call is a treat for birders lucky enough to encounter it in the province.
How to Choose
When choosing which nocturnal birds to focus on, consider your location, the habitat you can access, and your experience level with bird calls. Some species like the Great Horned Owl are widespread and easier to find, while others like the Great Gray Owl or Chuck-will’s-widow are more elusive or region-specific. The distinctiveness of the call is also important; species with unique or recognizable vocalizations such as the Barred Owl or Northern Saw-whet Owl can make identification simpler. Lastly, consider the time of year, as many owls vocalize more during the breeding season in spring and early summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the best time to hear owl calls in Ontario?
Owls are most vocal during the breeding season, typically from March through July, and are usually heard shortly after sunset or before dawn.
Q: Can I attract owls to my backyard?
Providing natural habitat like mature trees and minimizing artificial light can help, but attracting owls also depends on local prey availability and habitat suitability.
Q: How can I differentiate between owl calls?
Listen for pitch, rhythm, repetition, and tone. For example, the Barred Owl’s call is a rhythmic “Who cooks for you?” while the Great Horned Owl has a deeper, more resonant hoot.
Q: Are all owls in Ontario nocturnal?
Most are nocturnal, but species like the Snowy Owl can be active during the day, especially in winter.
Q: Is it safe to play recorded owl calls to attract owls?
Use recordings sparingly and responsibly to avoid stressing the birds, especially during breeding season.
Q: What habitats are best for spotting nocturnal birds in Ontario?
Forests, wetlands, and open fields all support different owl species; mature forests are ideal for Barred and Great Horned Owls, while open fields attract Short-eared Owls.
Final Thoughts
Ontario’s nocturnal birdlife, especially its diverse owl species, offers a rich and rewarding experience for those willing to explore the night. Each species’ unique call provides a window into their secretive world, making nighttime birding both a challenge and a delight. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious newcomer, listening for these haunting calls can deepen your appreciation for Ontario’s natural heritage under the stars.
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