What Bird Screeches at Night: Owls and Other Nocturnal Callers

If you've ever heard a bird screeching at night and wondered, what bird screeches at night, the most likely culprit is an owl. Among nocturnal birds, owls are the primary source of eerie, high-pitched screeches, hoots, and shrieks commonly mistaken for distress or supernatural sounds. While several species such as the Eastern Screech-Owl, Barn Owl, and Common Poorwill contribute to nighttime avian vocalizations, it's the haunting calls of owls—especially the piercing tremolo of the Eastern Screech-Owl—that prompt curiosity and sometimes concern from listeners. Understanding these sounds, their biological purpose, and the behaviors behind them can transform fear into fascination and deepen your appreciation of nocturnal birdlife.

The Biology Behind Nocturnal Bird Calls

Birds that screech at night have evolved specialized adaptations for low-light environments. Unlike diurnal birds that rely heavily on visual cues, nocturnal species depend on acute hearing and complex vocalizations to navigate, hunt, and communicate. The anatomy of their syrinx—the avian vocal organ—allows for a wide range of frequencies, including sharp screeches, soft trills, and deep hoots.

Owls, in particular, possess asymmetrical ear placements and facial disc feathers that funnel sound directly into their ears, giving them extraordinary directional hearing. This enables them to locate prey by sound alone, even under snow or dense foliage. Their nighttime calls serve multiple functions: territorial defense, mate attraction, and communication between family members, especially during breeding season.

Common Birds That Screech at Night

While many assume all nighttime bird noises come from owls, several species contribute to the nocturnal soundscape. Below is a breakdown of the most frequently heard birds known for screeching after dark:

1. Eastern Screech-Owl (Megascops asio)

Despite its name, the Eastern Screech-Owl doesn’t truly “screech” in the way one might expect. Instead, it produces a haunting, whinny-like descending call followed by a tremolo—a rapid series of notes that rise and fall in pitch. This call is often described as sounding like a horse neighing or a ghostly laugh. These small, camouflaged owls inhabit woodlands, suburban areas, and parks across eastern North America.

They are active year-round but become more vocal during late winter and early spring when establishing territories and seeking mates. Their ability to blend into tree bark makes them difficult to spot, but their calls are unmistakable once learned.

2. Barn Owl (Tyto alba)

The Barn Owl is perhaps the most iconic nighttime screecher. Rather than hooting, it emits a long, drawn-out, raspy screech that can last over a second. This eerie sound is often associated with haunted houses and horror films due to its unsettling quality.

Barn Owls prefer open habitats such as farmlands, grasslands, and marshes, where they hunt rodents with remarkable silence thanks to their specialized flight feathers. They nest in hollow trees, barns, and abandoned buildings—hence their name. Their screeches are primarily used by males to attract females or warn off intruders.

3. Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)

Though better known for its deep, resonant hoots (“who’s awake, me too”), the Great Horned Owl can also produce guttural screeches, hisses, and bill-snapping noises when threatened or defending a nest. These large, powerful owls are apex predators and among the earliest breeders in North America, often calling in late December through February.

Their presence is widespread—from forests and deserts to city parks—and their vocal range includes both low-frequency hoots and higher-pitched cries, especially from juveniles begging for food.

4. Common Poorwill (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii)

A member of the nightjar family, the Common Poorwill is unique not only for its repetitive, soft “poor-will” call but also for being the only bird known to enter torpor—a hibernation-like state—during cold periods. Found in arid regions of western North America, this bird becomes active at dusk and continues calling throughout the night.

Its call is less of a screech and more of a rhythmic, monotone phrase repeated hundreds of times per hour. To unfamiliar ears, it may blend into the background or be mistaken for an insect.

5. Whip-poor-will and Chuck-will’s-widow

Also nightjars, these birds are named for their repetitive, onomatopoeic calls. The Eastern Whip-poor-will repeats its name clearly and loudly up to 30 times without pause, while the Chuck-will’s-widow has a slower, lower-pitched version. Both are migratory and most vocal during spring and summer nights.

Although their calls aren't technically screeches, their persistence and volume—often continuing for hours—can startle those unaccustomed to nocturnal bird sounds.

Cultural and Symbolic Interpretations of Nighttime Bird Calls

Birds that screech at night have long held symbolic significance across cultures. In many traditions, hearing an owl screech after dark is considered an omen—sometimes of death, misfortune, or spiritual transition. Native American tribes such as the Lakota viewed the owl as a messenger from the spirit world, while some African and Asian folklore associate owl calls with witchcraft or ancestral warnings.

In contrast, ancient Greeks revered the owl as a symbol of wisdom, linked to the goddess Athena. The dissonance between cultural interpretations underscores how human perception shapes our reaction to natural phenomena. Recognizing that these calls are part of normal animal behavior—not supernatural signs—can help demystify nighttime bird screeching.

Why Do Birds Screech at Night?

Understanding the reasons behind nocturnal bird vocalizations helps contextualize what might otherwise seem disturbing or mysterious. Key motivations include:

• Communication: Birds use calls to maintain contact with mates or offspring, especially in dense habitats where visibility is limited.
• Territorial Defense: Vocal displays deter rivals from encroaching on nesting or feeding areas.
• Mating Behavior: Many nocturnal birds increase vocal activity during breeding season to attract partners.
• Alarm Signals: Sharp screeches or hisses indicate danger, such as the presence of predators or humans near nests.
• Navigation: Some species use echolocation-like calls to orient themselves in complete darkness.

It's important to note that increased nighttime bird noise does not necessarily indicate distress. Most screeching is routine and biologically essential.

How to Identify Which Bird Is Screeching at Night

Accurately identifying nocturnal birds by sound requires practice and attention to detail. Here are practical steps for birders and curious listeners:

1. Listen Carefully: Note the pitch, rhythm, duration, and repetition pattern of the call. Is it a single scream, a series of notes, or a continuous loop?
2. Use Field Guides and Apps: Resources like the Merlin Bird ID app (by Cornell Lab of Ornithology) allow you to record and compare unknown calls with verified audio samples.
3. Observe Habitat: Location matters. A screech heard near a lake may point to a Barred Owl, while one near farmland could be a Barn Owl.
4. Check Seasonality: Some birds are only present or vocal during certain months. For example, Whip-poor-wills arrive in spring and leave by fall.
5. Look (Safely) for Movement: Use a red-filtered flashlight (less disruptive to night vision) to scan trees or open fields without startling animals.

Regional Differences in Nocturnal Bird Activity

The types of birds that screech at night vary significantly by region. In North America, owls dominate the soundscape, whereas in parts of Africa and Australia, nightjars and frogmouths fill similar ecological roles. Even within continents, local subspecies exhibit distinct dialects.

For instance, the Western Screech-Owl (Megascops kennicottii) has a different call pattern than its eastern counterpart, often described as a bouncing ball-like sequence of short whistles. Similarly, the Australian Masked Owl produces a shrill, piercing cry that differs from the North American Barn Owl despite close relation.

Urbanization also influences nocturnal bird behavior. Light pollution and artificial structures can alter calling patterns, extend activity into earlier evening hours, or even suppress vocalizations due to noise interference.

Bird Species	Call Description	Region	Active Months
Eastern Screech-Owl	Whinny + tremolo; descending then rapid trill	Eastern & Central USA	Year-round, peak Jan–Apr
Barn Owl	Long, raspy screech (no hoot)	Widespread globally	Year-round
Great Horned Owl	Deep hoots; screeches when alarmed	North & South America	Loudest Dec–Feb
Common Poorwill	Soft "poor-will" repeated steadily	Western USA & Mexico	Mar–Oct
Chuck-will’s-widow	Slow, low "chuck-will’s-widow"	Southeastern USA	Apr–Sep

Common Misconceptions About Night-Screeching Birds

Several myths persist about birds that screech at night. One common belief is that owls screech because they're injured or in pain. In reality, their vocalizations are healthy expressions of natural behavior. Another misconception is that any loud night call must be an owl—yet many non-avian animals, such as foxes, raccoons, and even insects like cicadas, produce sounds mistaken for bird calls.

Additionally, some people assume nocturnal birds are rare or dangerous. However, many are common and pose no threat to humans. They play vital roles in ecosystems by controlling rodent and insect populations.

Tips for Observing Nocturnal Birds Safely and Ethically

If you're interested in observing birds that screech at night, follow these best practices:

• Maintain Distance: Avoid approaching nests or roosting sites, especially during breeding season.
• Limit Flashlight Use: Bright lights can disorient or stress birds. Use dim, red-toned lighting if necessary.
• Don’t Imitate Calls Excessively: Playing recordings or mimicking calls can disrupt mating rituals and provoke aggressive responses.
• Report Rare Sightings: Use platforms like eBird to contribute data to citizen science efforts.
• Support Conservation: Protect habitat by reducing outdoor lighting, preserving green spaces, and keeping cats indoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What bird makes a screeching sound at night in residential areas?

The Eastern Screech-Owl is commonly found in suburban neighborhoods and is often responsible for nighttime screeching sounds near homes.

Is it normal for birds to screech at night?

Yes, many nocturnal birds such as owls and nightjars naturally vocalize at night for communication, mating, and territory defense.

Can baby birds screech at night?

Yes, fledgling owls and other young birds may emit loud, persistent begging calls at night when waiting for parents to bring food.

Are screeching night birds a sign of danger?

No, screeching is typically not a sign of danger but rather a normal part of avian behavior. It rarely indicates injury or distress.

How can I stop birds from screeching outside my window at night?

You cannot ethically stop wild birds from vocalizing. Consider using white noise machines or earplugs instead of attempting to disturb or relocate them.

In conclusion, the question what bird screeches at night is most often answered by owls—particularly the Eastern Screech-Owl and Barn Owl—though other nocturnal species like nightjars also contribute to the chorus. By learning to recognize these calls, understanding their biological and cultural contexts, and practicing respectful observation, we can appreciate the rich auditory tapestry of the night sky. Whether you're a seasoned birder or a curious listener, the sounds of nocturnal birds offer a direct connection to the hidden rhythms of the natural world.