Expression of the Enjoyment of Companionship in the Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)

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Authors: Craig Perdue, Dwight P. Wynne
Cited by: 0

Abstract

This is descriptive and exploratory research. Our focus is first, to build on earlier work by presenting a previously undocumented vocalization and accompanying behavior/context which most resemble the expression of the enjoyment of companionship in a Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus). Second, we draw attention to the only other source attributing companion-ship to virginianus. Those vocalizations are described qualitatively. We describe putatively similar vocalizations qualitatively and quantitatively from the data of 352 vocalizations we collected and examine their significance as another expression of enjoyment of companionship. We then place our findings in perspective.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Animal Vocal Communication and Behavior Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies Avian ecology and behavior

Publication details

Journal / source
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Publication date
1 January 2026