Ontario is home to a diverse array of owls, each with unique calls that echo through its forests, wetlands, and urban edges. This list covers the most common and notable owl species found in Ontario, focusing on their distinct vocalizations and behaviors. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, naturalist, or simply curious about these nocturnal hunters, understanding their calls can greatly enhance your outdoor experience.
Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
The Great Horned Owl is one of the most widespread and recognizable owls in Ontario. Its deep, resonant hooting call consists of a series of hoots—usually a pattern of five to eight notes, often described as “hoo-h’Hoo-hoo-hoo.” This powerful call serves as a territorial announcement and can be heard year-round, especially at dusk and dawn. Its adaptability to various habitats makes it a common night-time presence.
Barred Owl (Strix varia)
Known for its distinctive “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?” call, the Barred Owl is a medium-sized owl that frequents mature forests and swamps in Ontario. Its vocalizations are loud, clear, and somewhat musical, often repeated in duets between pairs. Unlike many owls, Barred Owls are active both night and day, making their calls more commonly heard during twilight hours.
Eastern Screech-Owl (Megascops asio)
The Eastern Screech-Owl is a small, camouflaged owl with a surprisingly complex call repertoire. Its most common call is a descending, tremolo trill that lasts several seconds, often described as a soft, eerie whinny or a horse-like whinny. They also produce a monotone, short trill used in territorial defense. These owls prefer wooded suburban areas and are often heard near residential neighborhoods.
Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus)
While primarily Arctic breeders, Snowy Owls occasionally migrate into Ontario during irruption years. Their call is a low, hoarse croaking or barking sound, often rendered as a series of short, guttural notes. Males tend to call more frequently during the breeding season, using their vocalizations to attract mates and defend territory. Spotting or hearing a Snowy Owl in Ontario is a special winter treat.
Long-eared Owl (Asio otus)
The Long-eared Owl is a secretive species that nests in dense coniferous or mixed forests. Its most characteristic call is a low-pitched, rhythmic series of hoots delivered in groups of three to six notes, often sounding like “hoo hoo hoo hoo.” These calls are primarily heard at night during the breeding season. Their long ear tufts and slender profile help distinguish them visually, but their calls are often the primary indicator of presence.
Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus)
The Short-eared Owl frequents open habitats like marshes, grasslands, and agricultural fields across Ontario. Unlike many owls, it is often active during the day, especially at dawn and dusk. Its call is a sharp, barking “kewk” or “quawk,” sometimes repeated rapidly. During the breeding season, males perform aerial displays accompanied by vocalizations to attract females.
Great Gray Owl (Strix nebulosa)
The Great Gray Owl is Ontario’s largest owl by length, though it appears bulky due to its large facial disc. Its call is a deep, resonant “whoo” or “hoot” that can carry over long distances in its boreal forest habitat. These owls are elusive and prefer remote northern regions, so hearing their call is a memorable experience for birders venturing into Ontario’s wilderness.
Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus)
This small, secretive owl is named for its call, which sounds like a saw being sharpened on a whetstone—a rapid series of toots or whistled notes repeated steadily. Northern Saw-whet Owls are primarily nocturnal and favor dense forests. Their repetitive call is often heard during migration and breeding seasons, making them easier to detect than their small size might suggest.
Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia)
Though rare and considered a species at risk in Ontario, the Burrowing Owl can sometimes be found in the southwestern grasslands. Unlike most owls, it nests underground in burrows, often those abandoned by mammals. Its call is a series of short, sharp “coo-coo” or “hoot” notes, often delivered rapidly when alarmed. Conservation efforts have increased awareness of this unique owl’s presence in Ontario.
Long-tailed Owl (Strix longicauda)
While the Long-tailed Owl is not native to Ontario, it is sometimes confused with other Strix species by casual observers. For accuracy, Ontario’s owl list does not include this species, but it’s worth noting because its distinctive, low-pitched hoots are often mistaken for Great Gray or Barred Owls. Accurate identification hinges on vocalization patterns and habitat preferences.
How to Choose
When trying to identify or appreciate owls in Ontario by their calls, focus on several key factors: the habitat where the call is heard, the time of day or night, and the call’s pattern and tone. For example, the Great Horned Owl’s deep hoots are easily distinguishable from the rapid trills of the Northern Saw-whet Owl. Consider the seasonal timing as well, since some owls like the Snowy Owl appear mainly in winter, while others vocalize more during breeding seasons. Using a good field guide or audio app can help match calls to species accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the best time to hear owls in Ontario?
Most owls are most vocal during the breeding season in late winter and early spring, primarily at dusk and nighttime hours.
Q: Can I attract owls to my backyard?
Providing natural habitat like mature trees, leaving dead snags, and avoiding pesticides can encourage owls, especially Eastern Screech-Owls and Barred Owls.
Q: How can I differentiate owl calls from other bird sounds?
Owl calls tend to be repetitive, haunting, and lower-pitched compared to other birds; listening for patterns like hoots, trills, or barks helps identification.
Q: Are all owl calls territorial?
Many owl calls serve to establish territory and attract mates, but some calls also signal alarm or communicate between mates and offspring.
Q: Why do some owls call during the day?
Owls like the Barred Owl and Short-eared Owl are partially diurnal or crepuscular, calling during daylight hours to defend territory or during hunting.
Final Thoughts
Ontario’s owls offer a fascinating glimpse into nocturnal wildlife, each species bringing its own unique voice to the night. Learning to recognize their calls not only enriches outdoor adventures but also deepens appreciation for the province’s rich biodiversity. Whether you’re standing in a quiet forest or scanning open fields, tuning in to these calls connects you to a hidden world of mystery and nature’s subtle rhythms.
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