How to Tell the Difference Between an Owl and a Pigeon by Their Calls at Night

Differentiating between an owl and a pigeon by their calls at night can be relatively straightforward if you know the specific sounds each bird makes. Understanding the characteristics of their calls will help you identify which bird you are hearing, enhancing your nighttime wildlife experience.

Characteristics of Owl Calls

Typical Sounds

Owls are known for their distinctive hooting sounds. Common species like the Great Horned Owl produce a deep resonant hoot. This call is often characterized by a rhythmic pattern with pauses between hoots or notes. For instance, you might hear a series like "who-hoo-who-hoo."

Patterns

Owl calls often have a rhythmic pattern with distinct pauses or beats. The Great Horned Owl, for example, produces a deep, resonant hoot that repeats in a pattern. Other owls, like the Screech Owl, might emit different types of sounds, including whistles and clicks.

Variability

Some owls can make a variety of sounds depending on the species. For instance, the Western Screech-Owl produces a high-pitched, whinnying call, while the Barred Owl has a raspy hoot that sounds like "who-cooks-for-you." Understanding the specific patterns and sounds will help you identify the type of owl you are hearing.

Characteristics of Pigeon Calls

Typical Sounds

Pigeons usually make a soft cooing sound. This sound is often described as a gentle, repetitive "coo-coo-coo." While the cooing sound of pigeons is softer, it can be more consistent and less varied compared to owl calls.

Patterns

Pigeon calls are generally more repetitive and lack the rhythmic pauses characteristic of owl calls. The soft and repetitive nature of their cooing can often be heard during the day when pigeons are active.

Context

Pigeons are less active at night compared to owls. If you hear a cooing sound at night, it may indicate that the bird is disturbed or in an unusual situation. Additionally, pigeons tend to roost and sleep at night, making their cooing calls less common during the nighttime.

Tips for Identification

Listen for Context

If you hear a loud, rhythmic hoot, it is likely an owl. If the sound is softer and more repetitive, it is probably a pigeon. The context and volume of the call are key factors in identifying the bird.

Time of Year

Owls are more vocal during their breeding season, typically late winter to early spring. Pigeons, however, can be heard year-round but are less active at night. Understanding the seasonal patterns of bird activity can help you better identify the calls of different birds.

Learn Their Calls

You can access bird call apps like the Audubon Bird Identification App or Song Sleuth to readily learn to identify the calls of owls and pigeons. These apps provide a wealth of information and recordings, allowing you to practice recognizing the unique sounds of different bird species.

Descriptive Call Differences

The difference between an owl and a pigeon's call is striking. An owl’s hoot is typically louder and more distinct, while a pigeon’s coo is softer and more repetitive. An owl’s hoot is often described as a deep, resonant sound, while a pigeon’s coo is a softer, repetitive "coo-coo."

Context and Observations

An owl's call is generally louder and more noticeable compared to a pigeon's. A pigeon's coo is always softer and less disruptive. While a great horned owl hooting in a tree above you will definitely catch your attention, pigeons tend to be less vocal at night, except when disturbed or in unusual situations.

Additional Insights

Many owls, including the Great Horned Owl, are known to be particularly vocal during their breeding season, which typically occurs late winter to early spring. By paying attention to these patterns and the context of the calls, you can effectively distinguish between the calls of owls and pigeons at night.

Cornell University offers recordings of owl calls that can help you practice recognizing these sounds. Checking out Cornell University recordings can be a valuable resource for understanding the nuances of owl calls.

By paying attention to the distinctive hoots of owls and the soft cooing of pigeons, you can significantly enhance your nighttime bird identification skills. Start by familiarizing yourself with the unique sounds of different owl species and practicing with the help of bird call apps and recordings.

Note: The information provided is based on general observations and may vary depending on the species and individual birds. Always use reliable sources and recordings to aid in your identification processes.