Owls do not cry in the way humans do, but they make various vocalizations to communicate and express themselves. Young owls are known to give piercing screams when they are begging for food. Meanwhile, adult owls may scream to defend their nest. In addition to screams, owls produce an array of other sounds, including whistles, barks, shrieks, hisses, coos, and wavering cries. So, while they may not cry in the traditional sense, they do use vocalizations as part of their communication and behavior.