A Bird That Sounds Like a Cat: The Eastern Screech-Owl Explained

The most well-known bird that sounds like a cat is the eastern screech-owl (Megascops asio), a small nocturnal raptor whose eerie, descending whinny call closely resembles the yowling of a distressed feline. This haunting vocalization—often mistaken for a cat fight in suburban neighborhoods—is one of the most recognizable avian sounds in eastern North America, especially during spring and early summer nights. If you've ever heard a bird that sounds like a cat echoing through the trees after dark, chances are you were listening to this masterful mimic of feline cries, perfectly adapted to blend into both forested and urban environments.

Biology of the Eastern Screech-Owl

The eastern screech-owl is a compact owl species, measuring between 6 to 10 inches in length with a wingspan of about 18 to 24 inches. Despite its size, it is a fierce predator, feeding on insects, small mammals, birds, reptiles, and even amphibians. Two primary color morphs exist: gray and red (rufous), with the gray morph being more common in northern regions due to better camouflage against tree bark.

These owls have large yellow eyes, ear tufts (which are not actual ears but feathered projections used for display and camouflage), and a hooked beak concealed by facial disc feathers that help funnel sound to their ears. Their silent flight is enabled by specialized wing feathers with soft fringes that break up turbulence, allowing them to swoop down on prey without detection.

One of the key reasons a bird that sounds like a cat confuses so many listeners lies in the structure of the screech-owl’s vocal apparatus. Unlike songbirds that use a syrinx capable of producing two notes simultaneously, owls produce calls using simpler mechanisms, yet the eastern screech-owl has evolved an impressively varied repertoire. Its primary territorial and courtship call—a tremulous, horse-like whinny lasting 0.5 to 3 seconds—is often followed by a soft, monotonic trill. Both calls serve different social functions and can vary slightly based on region, sex, and individual identity.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance of Owl Calls

Across cultures, owls have long been associated with mystery, wisdom, and omens. In Native American traditions, particularly among Algonquian-speaking tribes, the eastern screech-owl was sometimes seen as a harbinger of death or misfortune. Hearing a bird that sounds like a cat at night could be interpreted as a spiritual message or warning, especially when the call broke the silence of a still forest.

In contrast, European folklore often linked owls to witchcraft and the supernatural. The belief that a bird sounding like a crying cat was actually a transformed spirit or familiar of a witch persisted well into the 19th century. Even today, in rural areas where superstition lingers, residents may avoid going outside when they hear such calls, believing them to signal impending change or danger.

Modern interpretations are more scientific, but the emotional impact remains. Filmmakers and sound designers frequently use recordings of the eastern screech-owl to create suspenseful atmospheres in horror movies and haunted forest scenes. The psychological effect of hearing a bird that sounds like a cat taps into deep-seated fears of the unknown, making it a powerful auditory symbol in storytelling.

When and Where to Hear This Bird That Sounds Like a Cat

The best time to hear the eastern screech-owl is during the breeding season, which typically runs from late winter to early summer—February through June in most of its range. Males call most frequently at dusk and dawn, though they may vocalize throughout the night, especially under moonlight or mild weather conditions.

This species inhabits a wide variety of wooded environments, including deciduous forests, suburban backyards, city parks, and riparian corridors. It prefers areas with mature trees that offer natural cavities for nesting, although it readily uses artificial nest boxes. Its adaptability has allowed it to thrive near human development, increasing the likelihood that urban dwellers will encounter a bird that sounds like a cat.

Geographically, the eastern screech-owl ranges from southeastern Canada through the eastern United States, west to the Great Plains, and south into central Mexico. Populations in the southern U.S., particularly Texas and Florida, may exhibit slight dialect differences in their calls, with some individuals producing faster or higher-pitched whinnies.

Distinguishing the Eastern Screech-Owl from Other Nocturnal Birds

Several other night-active birds produce unusual calls, leading to confusion with the 'bird that sounds like a cat' phenomenon. Understanding how to differentiate these species enhances both observational accuracy and appreciation for avian diversity.

Bird Species	Vocal Description	Time of Year Heard	Key Differences
Eastern Screech-Owl	Descending whinny, then trill	Year-round, peak Feb–June	Short, rhythmic; resembles horse neigh turning into laugh
Barred Owl	'Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?'	Late winter–spring	Louder, phrase-based; no feline quality
Barn Owl	Long, raspy scream	Spring–summer	Sustained shriek, not yowling; lacks modulation
Nightjar (e.g., Chuck-will's-widow)	Repetitive, low-pitched croak	Summer nights	Slower rhythm; insect-like tone

Using audio apps like Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab of Ornithology or eBird allows users to record and compare unknown calls in real time. These tools leverage machine learning to match field recordings with known species profiles, helping confirm whether what you're hearing is indeed a bird that sounds like a cat—or something else entirely.

How to Attract or Observe Eastern Screech-Owls

If you're interested in observing this elusive bird, there are several practical steps you can take:

• Install a nest box: Mount a wooden cavity box 10–20 feet high on a tree or pole facing away from prevailing winds. Use untreated wood with a 3-inch entrance hole. Place it in a quiet area with partial tree cover.
• Reduce outdoor lighting: Bright lights disrupt nocturnal wildlife. Shielding motion sensors and turning off decorative lighting helps preserve natural behaviors.
• Avoid pesticide use: Healthy insect populations support screech-owl prey like moths, beetles, and crickets.
• Listen actively: Go outside 30 minutes after sunset with binoculars and a flashlight covered with red cellophane (less disruptive to night vision). Play a short recording of the screech-owl call only if legal and ethical in your area—avoid overuse, as it can stress resident birds.

Always respect local regulations regarding playback and wildlife interaction. Some parks prohibit artificial calls during breeding seasons to prevent disturbance.

Common Misconceptions About Owls That Sound Like Cats

Despite growing awareness, several myths persist about birds that sound like cats:

1. Myth: Only female owls make cat-like noises.
   Fact: Both males and females vocalize, though males call more frequently during territory establishment.
2. Myth: These calls indicate pain or distress.
   Fact: The whinny is a normal communication behavior used for mating and territorial defense.
3. Myth: Hearing a bird that sounds like a cat means an animal is hurt nearby.
   Fact: While predators may elicit alarm calls from songbirds, the screech-owl’s call itself does not signal injury.
4. Myth: All small owls sound like cats.
   Fact: Only certain species, primarily the eastern and western screech-owls, produce this specific vocalization.

Regional Variations and Similar Species

The western screech-owl (Megascops kennicottii) also produces a similar accelerating whinny, often described as sounding like a bouncing ball coming to rest. Found in western North America, it occupies analogous ecological niches but tends to favor drier habitats like oak woodlands and desert riparian zones.

In Central America, the vermiculated screech-owl and whiskered screech-owl emit comparable calls, though less studied. Birders traveling abroad should consult regional field guides and audio databases to identify local species accurately.

Tips for Accurate Identification

To correctly identify a bird that sounds like a cat, consider the following checklist:

• Is the call repetitive and descending in pitch?
• Does it occur primarily at night, especially near wooded edges?
• Are there nearby trees or potential nesting cavities?
• Can you rule out domestic cats fighting? (Feline fights usually involve hissing, growling, and physical movement.)
• Have you recorded the sound for later analysis?

Combining auditory clues with environmental context increases confidence in identification. Apps like iNaturalist allow users to upload observations and receive community verification, contributing valuable data to citizen science projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What bird makes a noise like a cat crying?

The eastern screech-owl is the most common bird that produces a cat-like yowl, especially at night in wooded or suburban areas.

Why do I hear a cat-like sound outside at night?

You’re likely hearing an eastern screech-owl calling during mating season. These owls are widespread and vocal after dark, particularly in spring.

Are eastern screech-owls dangerous to humans or pets?

No, they pose no threat to people or larger animals. They may prey on very small pets like fledgling birds or tiny rodents, but attacks on cats or dogs are extremely rare.

Can I see an eastern screech-owl during the day?

Possibly, but they are mostly nocturnal. Look for them roosting in tree cavities or dense foliage during daylight hours, often remaining motionless and camouflaged.

How can I tell if the sound is an owl or a real cat?

Owl calls are more musical and rhythmic, repeating in patterned sequences. Cat fights involve chaotic hissing, spitting, and physical scrambling sounds, often shifting location.