Ontario is home to a rich variety of owls, each with distinct vocalizations that birdwatchers, naturalists, and outdoor enthusiasts can learn to recognize without relying on recordings. This list covers ten common owl calls you might hear in Ontario’s forests, wetlands, and rural areas, providing clear descriptions that help you identify these mysterious nocturnal birds by their unique sounds alone.
Great Horned Owl
The Great Horned Owl’s hooting is deep and resonant, typically a series of five to eight hoots spaced evenly: “hoo-hoo hoo hoo hoo.” This owl’s call is often described as a classic “hoot owl” sound and is one of the most recognizable in Ontario. Its powerful voice carries well through wooded areas, making it a key species to identify by sound.
Barred Owl
Barred Owls produce a distinctive call often transcribed as “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?” This rhythmic, rising and falling hoot is melodic and less harsh than many other owl calls. Because Barred Owls are common in Ontario’s mature forests, their vocalizations are a helpful clue to their presence, especially near water.
Eastern Screech-Owl
Despite its name, the Eastern Screech-Owl’s call is more of a trilling or whinnying sound than a scream. It often produces a descending whinny lasting about two seconds, or a short, soft trill. These calls are subtle but distinctive, making this small owl’s presence known, often in suburban or wooded areas.
Long-eared Owl
The Long-eared Owl’s primary call is a series of low, muffled hoots repeated steadily, often described as “hoo hoo hoo hoo.” Males typically use this territorial call during the breeding season. Their vocalizations are quieter and more subdued than Great Horned Owls, which helps separate the two species by sound.
Short-eared Owl
Short-eared Owls are more often heard than seen, especially in open fields and marshes. Their calls consist of a series of harsh, barking notes or a rapid “kek-kek-kek” sound emitted during flight. These vocalizations are particularly common at dusk and dawn, signaling their presence in grassland habitats.
Snowy Owl
Though more often silent, the Snowy Owl produces a deep, barking or yelping call when disturbed or during courtship. The sound is a low, guttural “hoo-hoo” or a series of barks. Snowy Owls are winter visitors to Ontario, and hearing their rare calls can be an exciting experience for birders.
Great Gray Owl
The Great Gray Owl’s call is a series of deep, resonant hoots spaced about two seconds apart, typically described as “who-who-who.” This owl’s voice is less harsh than the Great Horned Owl and has a more hollow quality. Their calls are most often heard in northern Ontario’s boreal forests during the breeding season.
Long-tailed Owl
While not common in Ontario, the Long-tailed Owl’s distinctive call is a rising series of short, sharp hoots followed by a trill. These owls prefer dense forests and are more often heard in western Ontario. Recognizing their vocal pattern helps differentiate them from other hooting owls in the region.
Barred Owl’s Juvenile Calls
Young Barred Owls produce a variety of high-pitched, squeaky sounds and short, sharp hoots that differ from adult calls. These juvenile calls often sound like begging or chirping and can be heard near nests during spring and early summer. Awareness of these calls helps identify active breeding sites.
Eastern Whip-poor-will (Owl Lookalike)
Though not an owl, the Eastern Whip-poor-will’s repetitive “whip-poor-will” call is often mistaken for owl vocalizations at night. This bird is common in Ontario’s woodlands and open areas with sparse understory. Distinguishing this call from true owl hoots is important for accurate nighttime bird identification.
How to Choose
When learning to identify owl calls in Ontario, focus on the pitch, rhythm, and repetition pattern rather than just the hoot itself. Habitat and time of year also greatly aid identification since some owls prefer forests while others favor open fields or wetlands. Recognizing subtle differences—like the Barred Owl’s melodic phrasing versus the Great Horned Owl’s deep hoots—makes the biggest difference. Lastly, consider whether the call is territorial, mating, or juvenile, as this context can refine your understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the best time to hear owls in Ontario?
Owls are most vocal at dusk and during the night, especially in spring and early summer when they are breeding.
Q: Can owl calls vary between individuals?
Yes, individual owls may have slight variations in their calls, but species-specific patterns remain consistent enough for identification.
Q: Are owl calls louder in certain weather conditions?
Owl calls often carry farther on calm, cold nights due to less atmospheric interference.
Q: How can I tell the difference between a Great Horned Owl and Barred Owl call?
The Great Horned Owl has a deep, even series of hoots, while the Barred Owl’s call is more melodic and phrased like a question and answer.
Q: Do juvenile owls sound different from adults?
Yes, juveniles often produce higher-pitched, less structured calls like chirps or squeaks to signal for food.
Q: Can I attract owls by mimicking their calls?
While some birders use call playback to attract owls, it should be done sparingly and responsibly to avoid disturbing them.
Final Thoughts
Learning to identify owl calls in Ontario without recordings sharpens your listening skills and deepens your connection to the natural world. Each species offers unique vocal signatures that reveal their presence even when they remain hidden in dense foliage or darkness. By paying attention to subtle differences in tone, rhythm, and habitat, you can confidently distinguish these fascinating birds by sound alone and enjoy the rich nocturnal soundscape Ontario’s owls create.
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