Contrary to popular belief, it does not hoot (such calls are made by typical owls, like the Tawny Owl or other Strix). It instead produces the characteristic shree scream, ear-shattering at close range. Males in courtship give a shrill twitter. It can hiss like a snake to scare away intruders, and when captured or cornered, it throws itself on its back and flails with sharp-taloned feet, making for an effective defense. Also given in such situations is a rasp and a clicking snap, produced by the bill or possibly the tongue. It is most recognizable by its "mask-like" face. This was take at a wildlife habitat behind a cross hatched screen. I kept the background in to show how animals are and can be rehabilited back into the wild. The cages are needed to accomplish this and keep them safe from preditors. Nikon D7000; photographed in a very dark area hand held at 1/15s.