Using vocal recordings and DNA sampling, scientists have discovered two distinct new species of Brazilian screech owls—and they're under threat.

But in fact, the screech owl’s call is vaguely reminiscent of the sound a ping pong ball makes rolling down a set of stairs (it’s OK, this article will wait while you go try it).

But each owl species has distinctive calls. The barn owl is one of those that don’t really hoot. Its call is a loud screech that some people think sounds like a screaming woman.

These are some facts covered at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center’s upcoming Family Owl Prowls, before attendees set out on foot and practice making “hoot” sounds in hopes of an owl ...

However, not all owls hoot, and of those that do, hoots aren't the only sounds they make. Owls also may chirp, whistle, scream, screech, bark, growl or shriek.

No such critter named “hoot owl” appears in any field guide, but their calls earn them the moniker. The “hoo-hoo-hoo” kinds of calls belong to either barred owls or great-horned owls.

The hoot owl — known formally as the barred owl — doesn’t hoot at all, but makes an “oo-aw” call with a long trill at the end. The Western screech owl doesn’t screech, but sounds a bit ...

There are sounds of nature that make me stop what I am doing and listen intently, as if drawn into a deep wildness that is both awesome and yet unnerving. No sound does this more for me than the call ...