Because it has such a wide range of calls, some seventeen sound signals, this has given rise to some of its folk names such as “hissing owl” and “screech owl”. There a some of these sounds are non-vocal, such as tongue-clicking, which was previously thought to be the bird snapping its beak. The screech is a penetrating, tremulous hissing scream of two seconds duration. Other sounds include a non-tremulous wailing which has been likened to that of fighting cats; a defensive hiss; "snoring" a sustained wheezy rasping or hissing; as well as a mixture twitters, squeaks, chirrups and purring (the female’s being of a higher pitch).

Registered Charity Number: 1055489 Limited Company Number: 5296745

The World Owl Trust is a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA). The Trust relies on a dedicated membership, visitors, donations and legacies.