Northern Pygmy-Owl song and calls

Birdsong and calls are often the easiest way to identify the Northern Pygmy-Owl, especially when the bird is hidden in dense foliage. Below is what to listen for.

Song

The primary song is a distinctive series of evenly spaced, whistled toots: 'hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo...' or 'poop-poop-poop...'. These toots are delivered at a rate of about 2 per second, often continuing for many seconds or even minutes. The pitch is relatively low for such a small bird.

Calls

Calls include a rapid, ascending trill or 'whinny' (often by the female or in alarm), and various scolding or chattering notes when agitated or mobbing. Contact calls are softer, single toots.

When they vocalize

Most vocal at dawn and dusk, but can call throughout the day, especially during the breeding season (late winter through spring) to attract mates and defend territory.

Explore the Northern Pygmy-Owl