By Jessica Johnsrud, education coordinator
A few weeks ago, I was walking outside just after dusk when I heard a loud series of hoots. It was the stereotypical owl song heard in the movies – the call of the Great Horned Owl. I stopped to listen, and the next time the owl sang, a second chimed in. I could tell the owls were sitting near each other and were likely a pair.
Great Horned Owls are the earliest nesting birds in Wisconsin, so it isn’t unusual to hear them this time of year. In late fall and early winter, a pair will sit perched together near the top of a tall tree, building, or even an antenna. The male’s song is deeper than the female’s, but she is the larger of the two. This is true for most hawks, owls, and eagles.
The owls I heard were perched near the top of an evergreen tree. I listened to them hoot, one immediately after the other. After a few rounds, I then heard a third Great Horned Owl. This individual was only a few blocks away and hooted a few seconds after the pair. I wonder if this was another potential suitor? The third owl only sang a few times and then stopped, perhaps moving on.
In previous winters, I have also heard and even spotted a Screech Owl in the neighborhood. It was sitting on a low branch singing its whiny trill that reminds me of a horse’s neigh. The Screech Owl is significantly smaller than the Great Horned Owl and eats worms, large insects, mice, and larger prey like squirrels and rabbits. It’s interesting that both owl species co-exist in the same area, given that Great Horned Owls will eat Screech Owls. The neighborhood does have plenty of rabbits, squirrels, and mice, so I imagine that helps keep the peace.
Both of these owl species have similar tactics for attracting a mate. The males may offer the females a gift of food, and courtship rituals also involve dancing like tail bobbing, bowing, and head jerking. The pair may also preen (groom) each other and rub their beaks together.
Listening for owls is one bright spot in the darker days of winter. With the sun setting well before 5:00pm, it’s easy to take a short walk outside after work. Bundle up and keep your ears open.
