Hello everyone! Night call, Spain (1 Viewer)

[SingingJulie]

I live in Almeria, Spain and am being driven bonkers by a call that I hear at night. It's a repeated 'oohoo', but only about 6-7 times a minute. Does anyone have any idea what it may possibly be? Definitely not a Little Owl; here, they sound like cat's mewling!! Help! It's driving me mad, not knowing what it is! Tia. Julie xx

 

[delia todd]

Hi Julie and a warm welcome to you from all the Staff and Moderators. It sounds like an owl, but I've moved your post to the ID forum as I'm sure they'll soon work it out for you.

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I look forward to hearing your news.

 

[Kits]

Welcome to Birdforum. I hope you enjoy your visits.

 

[foresttwitcher]

Perhaps try posting a recording.

 

[SpinySoftware]

I'd say it's almost certainly a Scops Owl. A very common sound in southern Europe! Could that be it?

If you are not sure, I suggest that you download the ChirpOMatic app (it's free) and see what it says.

 

[Bitis]

I live in Almeria, Spain and am being driven bonkers by a call that I hear at night. It's a repeated 'oohoo', but only about 6-7 times a minute. Does anyone have any idea what it may possibly be? Definitely not a Little Owl; here, they sound like cat's mewling!! Help! It's driving me mad, not knowing what it is! Tia. Julie xx

Description and frequency would fit Eagle Owl.

 

[Bitis]

I'd say it's almost certainly a Scops Owl. A very common sound in southern Europe! Could that be it?

If you are not sure, I suggest that you download the ChirpOMatic app (it's free) and see what it says.

The frequency doesn't fit Scops Owl, it would be more than 6-7 calls a minute.

 

[SingingJulie]

Perhaps try posting a recording.

I did try to record it, but the beggar had flown off when I went back out to do so!!

 

[alirezakiani]

I live in Almeria, Spain and am being driven bonkers by a call that I hear at night. It's a repeated 'oohoo', but only about 6-7 times a minute. Does anyone have any idea what it may possibly be? Definitely not a Little Owl; here, they sound like cat's mewling!! Help! It's driving me mad, not knowing what it is! Tia. Julie xx

Hi
If you try to install the merlin app I think it can solve this problem. Or try to find and hear some of your nominated species.

 

[tconzemi]

Like this?

XC953289 Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)

xeno-canto.org

 

[fdokykcu]

I live in Almeria, Spain and am being driven bonkers by a call that I hear at night. It's a repeated 'oohoo', but only about 6-7 times a minute. Does anyone have any idea what it may possibly be? Definitely not a Little Owl; here, they sound like cat's mewling!! Help! It's driving me mad, not knowing what it is! Tia. Julie xx

At this time of the year, with that description and location I will go for Eagle Owl. Quite frequent where there are rabbits. Just check it with any online resource (Xenocanto, eBird) and see if it fits what you are hearing

 

[SingingJulie]

Hi
If you try to install the merlin app I think it can solve this problem. Or try to find and hear some of your nominated species.

I've just installed the Merlin app, so I now know it's a Northern Pygmy Owl!! Blinking delighted to finally identify that sound! Thank you all for your suggestions!
We live at the same altitude as Ben Nevis, in Scotland, so not surprised they're here in Almeria! Thanks again. Julie xx

 

[Barred Wobbler]

I've just installed the Merlin app, so I now know it's a Northern Pygmy Owl!! Blinking delighted to finally identify that sound! Thank you all for your suggestions!
We live at the same altitude as Ben Nevis, in Scotland, so not surprised they're here in Almeria! Thanks again. Julie xx

This is why Merlin maybe isn't the best choice for bird ID. Northern pygmy owl is a North American species mainly from the west of that continent. Eurasian pygmy owl is also unlikely in SE Spain, being found in a broad strip across Northern Europe and Asia from the Baltic to China. Scops owl is common, but it's maybe a couple of weeks early for their spring arrival.

 

[SingingJulie]

Oh gawd, what now then? Any recommendations 🙏 gratefully received....Tia. Jx

 

[SingingJulie]

Oh gawd, what now then? Any recommendations 🙏 gratefully received....Tia. Jx

One more point, very often birdies fly off to warmer climes....?? Not unheard of! Jx

 

[fdokykcu]

I've just installed the Merlin app, so I now know it's a Northern Pygmy Owl!! Blinking delighted to finally identify that sound! Thank you all for your suggestions!
We live at the same altitude as Ben Nevis, in Scotland, so not surprised they're here in Almeria! Thanks again. Julie xx

Then I understand you will have now a record which was IDed using MerlinID, or is instead that you checked what you remembered of the call against Merlin provided sounds? That is different. If you managed finally to record the call, could you post it here? Pygmy Owl can be safely excluded at Almería.

 

[fdokykcu]

This is why Merlin maybe isn't the best choice for bird ID. Northern pygmy owl is a North American species mainly from the west of that continent. Eurasian pygmy owl is also unlikely in SE Spain, being found in a broad strip across Northern Europe and Asia from the Baltic to China. Scops owl is common, but it's maybe a couple of weeks early for their spring arrival.

Just a remark on both species status at Spain. Eurasian Pygmy Owl was surprisingly detected in the Spanish Pyrenees in 2021, and is believed to be breeding there (one-a few couples). Regarding Scops Owl, although the peak is still to come, some arrive in Spain even in January (and Almería is within the first areas reached) It is also known to winter at some places, even in the North and not close to the sea (Pamplona town, for instance). Anyway, I don't think the description given could fit the call or song of this species.

 

[SingingJulie]

Then I understand you will have now a record which was IDed using MerlinID, or is instead that you checked what you remembered of the call against Merlin provided sounds? That is different. If you managed finally to record the call, could you post it here? Pygmy Owl can be safely excluded at Almería.

Er....not sure how to do that! Please, give me a moment....

 

[SingingJulie]

I don't know how to upload sound files to this thread! So sorry! Ooh,just had a thought....bear with me!

 

[SingingJulie]

Nope! Don't know how to send via the Merlin app?? Help!!