Ever heard a spooky “hoo-hoo” at dusk? It might not be an owl! Many birds that sound like owls copy owl calls to mate or warn others. This simple guide ranks the top 10 birds that sound like owls. Learn quick ID tips, homes, and why birds that sound like owls trick us. Spot bird sounds like a great horned owl? We’ll sort it out. Let’s go!
Birds that sound like owls live everywhere. We focus on North America. They mix up folks with stars like the great horned owl (Bubo virginianus)—that big horned owl with loud hoots and quiet great horned owl flight. Some even sound like the great grey owl’s deep notes. Ready? Here’s the list.
1. Mourning Dove: The Day Owl Fake
Mourning dove (Zenaida macroura). Its “oo-AH-coo-coo” coo that sounds like a soft great horned owl hoot. It calls at dawn or dusk from wires in towns or woods. Birds that sound like owls often start with doves like this.
Why fool us? The beat matches horned owl calls, but lighter. Birds that sound like owls like this nest in weak twig beds year-round. Put out millet to draw them.
Spot it: Long tail fans in air. Wings whistle. Not like a great horned owl in nest—they eat on ground.
2. Eurasian Collared-Dove: The New Coo Guy
Eurasian collared-dove (Streptopelia decaocto). “Uh-uh-OO” rings like a steady an owl beat. Pale with black neck ring, it calls from roofs in cities and farms. Birds that sound like owls thrive in new areas.
Bird sounds like a mild great horned owl. Three notes drop low. Nests in trees like great horned owl in nest, but talks more. Numbers grow fast.
Spot it: Black half-collar. Wings show buff. Flaps loud—not silent great horned owl flight.
3. Whip-Poor-Will: The Loop Night Caller
Eastern whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus). “Whip-POOR-will” loops like a far great grey owl moan. Gray-brown, it hunts bugs at night in east woods.
The chant tricks like a horned owl, but higher. Nests on ground. Numbers drop from lost homes—turn off lights to help birds that sound like owls.
Spot it: No ear tufts. Big mouth for bugs. Light as a feather—not big horned owl size.
4. Common Nighthawk: The Dive Buzzer
Common nighthawk (Chordeiles minor). “Peent” calls and wing booms rasp like a rough an owl. Thin with white wing bars, it flies over fields at dusk. Birds that sound like owls often fly high.
Birds that sound like owls with whir sounds like great horned owl flaps, but by day. Nests on roofs. Summer flocks buzz cities.
Spot it: Fork tail. White throat. Flight wiggles—not stealthy great horned owl flight.
5. Steller’s Jay: The Copycat Alarm
Steller’s jay (Cyanocitta stelleri). Blue black with crest and it copies horned owl hoots to scare real ones. Lives in west conifer woods. Birds that sound like owls use tricks.
Bird sounds like an owl on purpose—for safety. Like bubo virginianus depth. Nests high, stores nuts.
Spot it: Sooty crest. Blue body. Great voice—not just great horned owl mimic.
6. Band-Tailed Pigeon: The Deep Coo
band-tailed pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata). “Coo-coo-oo” rolls slow like a quiet great horned owl. Chunky with shiny neck, flocks to west mountains. Birds that sound like owls gather in groups.
Birds that sound like owls at dawn—folks think big horned owl. Tree nesters feed crop-milk to young.
Spot it: White neck band. Red eyes. Flocks noisy—not solo great horned owl flight.
7. Chuck-Will’s-Widow: The South Throb
Chuck-will’s-widow (Antrostomus carolinensis). “Chuck-WILL’s-wid-OW” sounds like a great grey owl low hoot. Brown, hides in south pines. Birds that sound like owls hide well.
Bird sounds like an owl with beat—hypnotic but high. Ground nester, eats bugs at night.
Spot it: Bigger than whip-poor-will. Buff throat. Calls fade in towns.
8. Wilson’s Snipe: The Dive Whine
Wilson’s snipe (Gallinago delicata). Wing “shreeep” whines like a screech an owl. Long bill, hides in wet mud. Birds that sound like owls love water edges.
Birds that sound like owls in air bleats—like great horned owl worry calls. Grass nester, hunts worms.
Spot it: Zig flight. Pale belly. Dive show kings—not hooters.
9. Rock Dove: The City Gurgle
Rock dove (Columba livia). “Roo-roo-roo” sounds like a trapped large owl. Shiny city birds strut streets.
Bird sounds like far bubo virginianus at night. Ledge nesters in groups, eat scraps as birds that sound like owls.
Spot it: Mix colors. Head bobs walking. Wings clap—not quiet great horned owl flight.
10. Common Poorwill: The Burp Croak
Common poorwill (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii). “Poor-will” burps like a frog-owl mix. Small gray, sleeps through winter in deserts. Birds that sound like owls rest smart.
Bird sounds like an owl low and repeat—like soft great horned owl. Rock nester, snaps moths.
Spot it: Short tail. Eyes shine in light. Tough sleeper—not horned owl stay-up.
Quick Tips: Sort Bird Sounds Like Owls
Mix-up on bird sounds like an owl? Check tone—doves high coo, nightjars wobble. Use apps like Merlin. Time matters: day dove, night whip. Birds that sound like owls miss owl ear tufts or yellow eyes—bubo virginianus clues.
For great horned owl in nest, hear hisses from babies. Mimics just sing.
Draw Birds That Sound Like Owls to Your Yard
Want mimics? No real large owl mess. Add berry bushes for doves. Keep leaves for nightjars. No bright lights. Skip rat poison—helps big horned owl food chain. Log calls on eBird for horned owl checks.
Help Save These Sound-Alikes
Birds that sound like owls lose homes—lights blind nightjars, growth crowds doves. Save old trees for great grey owl friends. Mimics need the same wild spots. Log bird sounds like tricks to count real an owl.
Best Spots for Birds That Sound Like Owls
- Appalachians: Whip-poor-will groups.
- Southwest deserts: Poorwill burps.
- City parks: Dove and pigeon coos.
- Everglades: Chuck-will’s beats.
At dusk, listen close—an owl or smart fake? Birds that sound like owls add fun to night sounds. Go find them!
FAQs
What kind of bird sounds like an owl?
It is definitely mourning dove! its coo mimics owl hoots.
What bird makes the hoo hoo hoo sound?
Great horned owl; mourning doves copy the rhythm.
Why am I hearing an owl at night?
Real owls hunt nocturnally; doves call at dusk/dawn.
Am I hearing an owl or a dove?
Dove: soft coo, daytime; owl: deep hoot, night. Check time/rhythm
