Identifying bird calls can be tricky, but the sound of a Mourning Dove can be mistaken for an owl. Listen for the soft, mournful cooing.
The Eastern Whip-poor-will is known for its distinctive call that sounds like its name. This nocturnal bird can be confused with an owl at night.
Another bird that sounds like an owl is the Common Nighthawk. Its call is a nasal peent or a booming sound made during courtship displays.
The Barred Owl has a hooting call that can be mistaken for other owl species. Pay attention to the rhythm and tone to differentiate it from similar sounds.
When trying to identify a bird that sounds like an owl, consider the habitat and time of day. Owls are nocturnal, so daytime calls may belong to other species.
Learning to recognize bird sounds takes practice. Use field guides, apps, and online resources to improve your bird identification skills and distinguish owl calls.