Burrowing Owls on Marco Island hoot, long with making other vocalizations, particularly at night and during nesting season (February through July). They produce a "hoo-hoo" sound, especially when defending their burrows. Vocalizations & Behaviors:
Nocturnal Hoots: Males often stand guard on dirt mounds, giving a "hoo-hoo" sound to defend their territory.
Chattering & Chuckling: They produce tremulous chuckling or chattering calls rather than typical owl hoots.
Hissing: When threatened or to sound an alarm, they make a hissing noise designed to sound like a rattlesnake.
Physical Displays: Along with calls, they often bob their heads up and down ("howdy birds") or flash white chin patches to communicate.
