Southern White-faced Owl song and calls

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

Song

The primary song is a series of soft, hooting notes, often described as a 'hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo' or 'whu-whu-whu-whu', which gradually descends in pitch and fades away. It can be quite mournful and resonant.

Calls

Various calls include a soft 'wup' or 'whup' contact call, a sharper 'kew-kew-kew' alarm call, and hissing or bill-snapping when threatened.

When they vocalize

Most vocal during the breeding season, particularly at dusk and dawn, and throughout the night.

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