200 HzLowest frequency
12,000 HzHighest frequency
5.9Octaves
0.6×Upper limit vs. humans
How it compares
Greater wax mothsBottlenose dolphinsBeluga whalesBatsMiceRatsCatsOpossumsGerbilsGuinea pigsDogsHedgehogsFerretsSheepRabbitsPigsRaccoonsGoatsCowsHorsesChinchillasHumansElephantsOwlsBudgerigars (parakeets)CanariesCockatielsTree frogsCatfishBullfrogsGoldfishChickensTuna
10 Hz1001 kHz10 kHz100 kHz
Shaded band: typical human range (20 Hz–20 kHz). Log scale.
Good to know
Barn owls locate prey in total darkness using tiny timing and level differences between their asymmetrical ears.
Tones owls can hear
Tones owls cannot hear
Frequently asked questions
What frequencies can owls hear?
About 200 Hz to 12,000 Hz.
Can owls hear ultrasound?
No – their upper limit is below 20 kHz.
Can owls hear infrasound?
No – their lower limit is above 20 Hz.
Sources & credits
- Wikipedia – Hearing range (compiled from Fay 1988; Heffner & Heffner) · Approximate hearing ranges from behavioural audiograms (largely Fay 1988 and Heffner & Heffner), usually measured at 60 dB SPL. Individual animals, ages and studies differ.