Ruqayyah Snyder
The powerful owl is Australia's largest owl species, and its mating calls can be heard along eastern Australia. These owls are known for their distinctive double-note 'whoo-hoo' call, which can be heard up to two kilometres away. While some owls are not nocturnal, the powerful owl is one of the most identifiable nocturnal animals, known for being alert at night. The exact sounds and meanings of owl calls vary by species, but they can include hoots, screeches, barks, growls, and shrieks. In addition to mating calls, owls may also make territorial calls, which can be heard for several miles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Noise | Hoots, screeches, barks, growls, shrieks, "hoo" sounds, "whoo-hoo" sounds, "screaming woman" call |
| Noise range | Can be heard up to two kilometres away |
| Noise timing | Usually start at dusk and continue until midnight, briefly starting again before dawn |
| Noise function | Territorial, mating calls |
| Noise differentiation | Male owls usually have deeper hoots than females |
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What You'll Learn
The Barking Owl's 'screaming woman' call
The Barking Owl, or Ninox connivens, is a nocturnal bird species native to mainland Australia, New Guinea, and the Moluccas. The owl is medium-sized, brown, and has a characteristic voice with calls ranging from a barking dog noise to an intense human-like howl. The name "barking owl" comes from its distinctive barking voice, which is a double-noted, dog-like 'wook-wook'. The barking call can be varied in pitch and intensity depending on the purpose of the call.
The other main call of the Barking Owl is a wailing cry, which has given rise to another name, the "screaming-woman bird". This call is a waivering, human-like scream of terrifying intensity, which sounds remarkably lifelike. It is not a common call and is more likely to be used outside the breeding season. The only recording of this call that I am aware of was made by Ed McNabb in Victoria in 1982, which can be heard on his CD "Nightlife of Australia - S. E. Forests".
The Barking Owl's loud and explosive voice means that most people hear the bird rather than see it. The owl's territorial vocalization is a double 'hoot', similar to other Australian hawk owls. The male and female owls will often duet, with the female's call being noticeably sharper and shorter than the male's and carrying further. The female may also use a low, groaning hoot of almost cow-like quality to call to the young.
The Barking Owl is listed as 'Least Concern' by Birdlife International, but is considered Vulnerable in New South Wales. They are generally uncommon, with an uneven and broken distribution across Australia. They are absent from much of central Australia, the Nullarbor Plain, Tasmania, and large offshore islands.
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The Powerful Owl's 'whoo-hoo' mating call
The powerful and distinct whoo-hoo mating call of the Australian owl, specifically the Barking Owl, has captured the attention of many. This owl species, more commonly found in northern Australia, has a unique way of communicating and asserting its presence. The call of the Barking Owl has been described as akin to a "screaming woman," a sound that has been speculated about for its eerie and captivating quality. This particular call has been the subject of interest, yet it remains a rare occurrence, even for those familiar with the Australian bush and its nocturnal sounds.
The whoo-hoo mating call of the Barking Owl is a result of an impressive alternating (antiphonal) duet between a pair of owls. The female's voice is higher-pitched than her male counterpart, creating a distinct variation in their calls. This duet gradually increases in speed, adding to the intensity of their performance. The owls' calls are not limited to the whoo-hoo pattern; they are known to produce other sounds, such as barks and whistles, contributing to a diverse repertoire of vocalizations.
The Great Horned Owl, another Australian species, also utilizes deep, soft hoots with a stuttering rhythm: hoo-h’HOO-hoo-hoo. Similar to the Barking Owl, the Great Horned Owl pair may engage in a duet of alternating calls, with the female's voice being higher-pitched. Young owls of this species give piercing screams when begging for food, a stark contrast to the adults' array of sounds, which include whistles, barks, shrieks, hisses, coos, and wavering cries.
The whoo-hoo mating call of Australian owls, specifically the Barking Owl and the Great Horned Owl, is a fascinating aspect of their behavior and communication. These owls' distinct vocalizations, whether in the form of duets or solo performances, contribute to the rich auditory landscape of the Australian wilderness, leaving a lasting impression on those who hear them.
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The Boobook Owl
The exact sound and meaning of owl noises vary by species, but owls are known for their distinctive hooting, which typically involves two short, deep "hoo" sounds followed by a long "hooooooo." Both male and female owls hoot, with the male hoots usually deeper than the female's.
Owls are typically nocturnal, and their calls are often heard in rural, wooded areas where they nest. These calls can be territorial, alerting other owls to stay away from their territory.
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Owls' nocturnal nature
Owls are known for their nocturnal nature, being alert at night and sleeping during the day. This is an adaptation to their hunting habits, as many of their prey, such as rodents and small mammals, are most active under the cover of darkness. The darkness provides these nocturnal creatures with protection from their predators, including owls, making the night an ideal time for owls to hunt.
The nocturnal nature of owls is closely linked to their distinctive calls, which they use to communicate with other owls and assert their presence in their territory. These calls are often described as hoots, with variations in pitch and loudness. For example, the female owl typically produces a higher-pitched hoot than her male counterpart. The hooting usually begins at dusk and continues until midnight, with a brief interlude before dawn. This timing ensures that the owls can effectively communicate and establish their presence in the quiet of the night.
The Australian powerful owl, for instance, is known for its distinctive mating calls, a double-note 'whoo-hoo' that can be heard from up to two kilometres away. These calls are a way for the owls to express their love for each other, with partners calling out to assure each other of their affection. The powerful owl is Australia's largest owl species, standing at about 60 centimetres with a wingspan of 1.5 metres.
In addition to hooting, owls have a range of other vocalizations, including screeches, barks, growls, and shrieks. The Barking Owl, found in northern Australia, has a particularly notable call known as the "screaming woman" call, adding a touch of eeriness to the Australian bush at night. This call, however, seems to be quite rare, as many ornithologists in the region have not heard it themselves.
The nocturnal nature of owls is an integral part of their behaviour and survival strategy. By being active at night, they can effectively hunt for prey, avoid potential threats, and communicate with their own kind. The sounds they make in the darkness, from the familiar hoots to the unusual "screaming woman" call, are a reminder of their presence and an important aspect of their nocturnal lifestyle.
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Owls' territorial hoots
The Australian owl species, including the Barking Owl and Powerful Owl, make a range of sounds, from barks to hoots. The Barking Owl, common in northern Australia, is known for its "screaming woman" call, a scary nocturnal sound. The Powerful Owl, Australia's largest owl species, makes a classic owl "whoo-hoo" hooting sound, with the female having a higher pitch than the male. These hoots are territorial calls that can be heard up to two kilometres away.
Owls are known for their distinctive hooting sounds, with the Great Horned Owl being particularly recognised for its hooting. The typical hooting pattern involves two short, deep "hoo" sounds followed by a long "hooooooo." Both male and female owls hoot, with males producing deeper hoots than females. Hoots are territorial calls, often heard for several miles, and owls will typically begin hooting at dusk, continuing until midnight, with a brief hooting period before dawn.
The Barking Owl also makes a range of other sounds, including barks, and has been recorded making an antiphonal duet with another owl, where the owls alternated calls, gradually increasing the speed of their hoots.
The Powerful Owl, despite its name and size, does not have a particularly powerful hooting sound. Its hoots are described as a double-note "whoo-hoo," and they are known for their love calls during the breeding season, with mating pairs calling to each other at dusk. These calls are a distinctive noise in the night, alerting people to the presence of owls.
Overall, while Australian owls do make hooting sounds, the specific noises and patterns vary between species, with factors like pitch and speed of hooting differing.
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Frequently asked questions
The powerful owl, Australia's largest owl, makes a classic owl sound — a double-note 'whoo-hoo' that can be heard up to two kilometres away.
The Barking Owl makes a sound akin to a "screaming woman", which is considered one of the scarier nocturnal sounds in the Australian bush.
Owls are known for their hooting, shrieking, screeching, barking, and growling.
