Animals communicate in a variety of ways. For example, your cat may meow when she’s hungry, and your dog may wag his tail when he’s happy. Owls have many different sounds and behaviors to express themselves just like other animals. We are all familiar with hooting sounds, but many owl species have a plethora of other sounds as well, and some species don’t hoot at all. Owl sounds range from hoots to hisses. Whistles, barks, screeches, snorts, and softer sounds like purrs are common. Why make noise at all? Baby owls may shriek to let their parents know they’re hungry. Sometimes owls hoot to warn others of danger in an area, like a predator. Hooting also serves as a way to claim territory and communicate with potential mates. Owls may hoot together, back and forth, with their mates as a way to bond with each other. Owls can distinguish individuals by their calls, just like we recognize the voices of our family members or friends.