What Animals Make A Screeching Noise At Night?

Nocturnal animals like cats, bats, and owls often screech at night due to behaviors like mating, communication, and territory defense. Sounds range from the high-pitched mating calls of crickets to the eerie screeches of owls.

These night-time vocalizations serve various purposes; for instance, coyotes howl to reunite their pack or mark territory, while geckos chirp to claim their space. Frogs croak louder at night to attract mates, adding to the symphony of nocturnal sounds.

1. Cats

Cats often screech at night due to mating calls or while defending their territory. Their yowls, which may sound like loud, drawn-out moans, can signal stress, fear, or the desire for attention. Since cats are naturally more active during dusk and dawn, their nighttime vocalizations are more frequent and audible.

2. Bats

If bats weren’t spooky enough, they can screech loudly and obnoxiously. To top it off, their volume can get so loud that it actually is painful to human ears when in close proximity.

Bats vocalize through squeaks and screeches to communicate with other bats nearby. If two bats vocalized at the same pitch, they would get confused. Given that they’re nocturnal animals, you’re more likely to hear their screams at night.

3. Tropical Birds

At night, birds like wild parrots may screech to talk with their flock or when startled. This loud communication can signal distress, alert others to danger, or maintain contact in the darkness. Their squawks, often sharp and piercing, are a natural response to fear or discomfort.

4. Owls

Owls sometimes screech loudly to scare away predators or intimidating rivals, while at other times they do it during mating season to find a partner. Many people believe the loud screeches emitted by these birds sound eerily like a woman screaming. Nights are when owls are most active, so that’s usually when you’ll hear them.

5. Coyotes

Coyotes howl at night mainly for two reasons: to regroup with their family after hunting alone or to warn rival packs away from their territory. This howling can echo far and wide, carrying messages across the landscape. It’s their way of saying “I’m here” and “Stay away,” using one of the most recognizable sounds of the wild.

6. Crickets

Crickets are known for their loud chirping in summer nights. They chirp by rubbing a special membrane called a tymbal to signal females for mating. The females respond with a clicking sound when receptive. Crickets are most vocal at night as that’s their prime time for seeking partners.

7. Porcupines

Porcupines communicate through a range of sounds at night, including screeches, grunts, and coughs. These noises can warn off predators or help porcupines find one another. Their screeching, often mistaken for bird calls, is a defense mechanism that becomes more noticeable after dark when the forest is quieter and sound travels further.

8. Geckos

House geckos chirp at night to communicate and defend their territory, a time when they are most active. Their calls are often louder in urban areas as walls and tight spaces can amplify the sound. These geckos are commonly seen climbing walls near lights, hunting for insects drawn to the brightness.

9. Frogs

Most frogs are more active at night and during the breeding season, they croak to attract mates or defend their territory. Male frogs are usually the culprits behind those ear-piercing croaks–most females remain relatively silent or make dainty chirping noises in comparison.

Although frogs and toads typically croak more at night, they can make noise anytime. Out of all frog species, bullfrogs are usually the noisiest.

10. Dogs

Dogs howl for communication; they may howl to mark their territory or show joy when their owner returns at night. They also respond to high-pitched sounds like sirens with howls. Alongside howling, dogs use barks, growls, and whimpers to express various emotions and messages.

Final Thoughts

There are many animals that screech at night for different reasons. Some, like owls and coyotes, use it to communicate with others of their kind. Others, like frogs and cats, do it to attract mates. Still others, like dogs, howl simply because they’re happy to see you. No matter the reason, these creatures can be quite noisy at night!