Yes, owls can make sounds that are described as "cries," specifically "wavering cries" emitted by adult owls. However, this refers to their vocalizations and not to shedding tears in an emotional sense like humans.
Owls possess a diverse range of vocalizations that serve various communication purposes, from attracting mates to defending territory and begging for food.
Understanding Owl Vocalizations
Owls communicate through an impressive array of sounds, each with its specific function. When referring to "cries," it's within the context of these vocalizations.
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Adult Owl Vocalizations: Adult owls are capable of producing a wide spectrum of sounds. These include:
- Wavering Cries: Adult owls can produce wavering cries, which are a distinct part of their vocal repertoire. This directly answers whether they can 'cry' in terms of sound production.
- Screams: Adults may also emit screams, particularly when they need to defend their nest from potential threats.
- Other Sounds: Beyond cries and screams, adult owls are known to make a variety of other noises, such as whistles, barks, shrieks, hisses, and coos.
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Young Owl Vocalizations: Young owls, or owlets, also have characteristic sounds, primarily related to their survival needs.
- Piercing Screams: Young owls commonly give piercing screams when begging for food from their parents. These urgent calls are crucial for their feeding and growth.
Purpose of Owl Cries and Calls
These varied sounds are fundamental to an owl's daily life and survival strategy:
- Communication: They are essential for communicating with potential mates, rivals, and their offspring.
- Territorial Defense: Loud calls, including screams, help establish boundaries and deter other owls from their territory.
- Parental Care: Young owls' begging calls prompt parents to provide food, while adult calls can guide or warn their young.
- Alarm Signals: Some vocalizations may act as warnings about predators or other dangers.
In summary, while owls do not cry tears of emotion, they do produce a type of vocalization termed "cries," which are an integral part of their complex auditory communication system.
