Vocalizations of the BoreaJ Owl, Aegolius funereus richardsoni, in North America

Abstract

Vocalizations of Boreal Owls Aegolius funereus richardsoni were recorded in the field and analysed. I identified six adult vocalizations: Staccato Song (male, courtship song), Prolonged Staccato Song (male, from nest, probably to entice female to nest), Moo-a Call (contact), Skiew Call (scolding/aggressive), Chuuk Call (female, in response to subdued Staccato Song of male), and Peeping Call (female, response to male arriving with food for the female on the nest). Calls apparently unique to young Boreal Owls are: Chirp Call (food begging) and Chatter Call(distress). The vocalization of the allopatric Tengmalm's Owl, A. f. funereus, appear very similar, although its primary song is slower and has fewer notes than that of the Boreal Owl, and the Chuuk Call has not been recorded for the Tengmalm's Owl.