What Bird Sings at Night: Owls, Mockingbirds & More

The most common birds that sing at night include the Northern Mockingbird, Common Poorwill, Whip-poor-will, Eastern Screech-Owl, and Barred Owl. These nocturnal vocalizations are often misunderstood, but they serve essential biological functions such as territory defense, mate attraction, and communication in low-light environments. Among the various species known for nighttime singing, the Northern Mockingbird stands out due to its complex, repetitive melodies that can continue for hours, especially during spring and summer nights. Another frequently heard nocturnal singer is the Barred Owl, whose distinctive call sounds like 'Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?' Understanding what bird sings at night helps both amateur birdwatchers and researchers interpret avian behavior beyond daylight hours.

Why Do Birds Sing at Night?

Birdsong is typically associated with dawn and daytime activity, but several species have evolved to vocalize after sunset. The primary reasons birds sing at night include reduced competition for acoustic space, increased sound transmission in cooler, stiller air, and specific breeding behaviors. In urban areas, artificial lighting can also disrupt natural circadian rhythms, prompting diurnal birds like robins and mockingbirds to extend their singing into the night.

Nocturnal birds such as owls rely heavily on vocal communication because their hunting and mating activities occur primarily in darkness. For example, male owls use calls to establish territories and attract mates during the breeding season, which often begins in late winter. Similarly, the Common Poorwill, a member of the nightjar family, is one of the few birds capable of entering torpor and may call intermittently throughout the night, particularly in arid regions of western North America.

Common Nocturnal Singers: Species Profiles

Understanding which bird sings at night requires familiarity with key species adapted to nighttime life. Below is a detailed overview of the most prominent nocturnal vocalizers:

Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)

Although technically diurnal, the Northern Mockingbird is notorious for singing at night, especially males during the breeding season. Found across the southern and eastern United States, these birds possess an extraordinary repertoire of songs, mimicking other birds, mechanical sounds, and even car alarms. Their nighttime singing is usually performed by unpaired males attempting to attract a mate or defend a territory. Light pollution in cities can exacerbate this behavior, leading to prolonged vocal activity well past dusk.

Barred Owl (Strix varia)

The Barred Owl is a true nocturnal species commonly heard in dense forests and swamps. Its iconic eight-syllable call—'Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?'—is often repeated in duets between mated pairs. These owls begin calling heavily in late January through March, coinciding with courtship and nesting. Their deep, resonant voices carry over long distances, making them one of the most recognizable night singers in eastern woodlands.

Eastern Screech-Owl (Megascops asio)

Despite its name, the Eastern Screech-Owl does not actually screech; instead, it produces a haunting, whinny-like trill followed by a soft cooing tremolo. This small owl is highly adaptable and found in suburban areas, wooded parks, and rural forests. It becomes especially vocal during the early evening and pre-dawn hours. Its ability to blend into tree bark makes it difficult to spot, but its call is a reliable indicator of presence.

Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus)

A member of the nightjar family, the Whip-poor-will earns its name from its relentless, three-note call repeated hundreds of times per hour. This insectivorous bird breeds in open woodlands and is most active at twilight and throughout moonlit nights. Unfortunately, populations have declined significantly due to habitat loss and declining insect availability, making encounters with singing Whip-poor-wills increasingly rare.

Common Poorwill (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii)

The Common Poorwill is unique among North American birds for its ability to enter a state of torpor similar to hibernation. Found in dry, rocky habitats of the western U.S. and Mexico, it emits a soft, pulsing 'poor-will' call throughout the night. Unlike many nocturnal birds, it may remain active year-round in warmer climates, continuing to vocalize even in winter months.

Seasonal Patterns in Nocturnal Bird Calls

The timing of nighttime bird vocalizations varies significantly by species and season. Most nocturnal singing peaks during the breeding season, which for many temperate-zone birds runs from late winter to early summer. For instance, owls begin establishing territories in January, while mockingbirds ramp up their nighttime performances in April and May.

Moon phases also influence nocturnal bird activity. On bright, moonlit nights, insects are more active, prompting nightjars and nighthawks to hunt and call more frequently. Additionally, full moons enhance visibility, allowing birds to navigate and communicate more effectively after dark.

Geographic Distribution of Night-Singing Birds

Different regions host distinct communities of nocturnal birds. A summary of regional differences is provided below:

Region	Common Night Singers	Peak Season	Habitat Type
Eastern United States	Barred Owl, Eastern Screech-Owl, Whip-poor-will	February–May	Deciduous forests, swamps
Southern U.S. (including Texas, Florida)	Northern Mockingbird, Chuck-will's-widow	March–July	Suburban areas, open woodlands
Western U.S. and Southwest	Common Poorwill, Western Screech-Owl	Year-round (peaks March–June)	Deserts, chaparral, rocky slopes
Urban Areas Nationwide	Northern Mockingbird, American Robin	Spring–Summer	Parks, residential neighborhoods

How to Identify Nighttime Bird Songs

Learning to identify which bird sings at night enhances the experience of outdoor listening and contributes to citizen science efforts. Here are practical tips:

• Use a field guide with audio: Apps like Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab of Ornithology allow users to record and compare unknown calls against a database.
• Listen for rhythm and pitch: The Whip-poor-will’s steady repetition contrasts with the Barred Owl’s rhythmic question-like phrase.
• Note the time of night: Early evening is prime time for screech-owls, while midnight serenades are more likely from mockingbirds or poorwills.
• Observe environmental cues: Listen near forest edges, water sources, or open fields where certain species prefer to call.

Recording devices and smartphone apps can help capture and analyze calls over time, especially useful for monitoring population trends or detecting rare species.

Myths and Misconceptions About Night-Singing Birds

Several myths surround birds that sing at night. One common misconception is that hearing an owl at night brings bad luck. In reality, owl calls are normal territorial signals and pose no threat to humans. Another myth suggests that only owls sing at night, ignoring the vocal contributions of mockingbirds, nightjars, and even some warblers.

Some people believe that nighttime singing indicates distress or illness in birds. However, in most cases, it reflects healthy reproductive behavior. Only if a bird appears injured, disoriented, or calls incessantly without pause should concern arise.

Tips for Observing and Enjoying Nocturnal Birds

For bird enthusiasts interested in what bird sings at night, here are actionable recommendations:

1. Go out during peak calling times: Late evening (just after sunset) and pre-dawn hours yield the best results.
2. Minimize light and noise: Turn off flashlights and avoid loud conversations to increase your chances of hearing subtle calls.
3. Join a night birding walk: Many Audubon chapters and nature centers offer guided nocturnal birding events.
4. Install a nest box: Eastern Screech-Owls readily use cavities in trees or artificial boxes, increasing local presence.
5. Reduce outdoor lighting: If you're bothered by nighttime singing, consider using motion-sensor lights to minimize disruption to bird behavior.

Conservation Concerns for Nocturnal Species

Many night-singing birds face threats from habitat destruction, light pollution, and climate change. The Whip-poor-will, once widespread, has experienced steep population declines and is now listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN. Light pollution alters natural behaviors, causing birds to sing at inappropriate times or disrupting migration patterns.

Citizen science projects like eBird and the North American Breeding Bird Survey rely on public observations to track population changes. By reporting sightings and recordings of night-singing birds, individuals contribute valuable data for conservation planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What bird makes a 'who' sound at night?

The Barred Owl is best known for its call that sounds like 'Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?' It is commonly heard in forests across the eastern United States.

Why do I hear a bird chirping outside my window at night?

This is likely a Northern Mockingbird, especially if the song is varied and repeated in sequences. Unmated males often sing at night to attract females, particularly in urban areas with artificial lighting.

Are there birds that sing all night long?

Yes, unmated Northern Mockingbirds can sing continuously for hours, sometimes throughout the entire night. Other species like owls and nightjars may call intermittently but rarely nonstop.

Do female birds sing at night?

Traditionally thought to be rare, recent research shows that female songbirds, including some owls and mockingbirds, do sing at night, particularly in tropical species. In temperate zones, males are more commonly heard.

Can I attract night-singing birds to my yard?

You can encourage species like the Eastern Screech-Owl by installing nest boxes and preserving mature trees. Avoid excessive outdoor lighting to support natural behaviors.