Ok sorry no pics, but just after the bird hissed at us like a snake he flew off. His back was brown and his wings wernt sharp like a bird of preys are. Ive only found Barn owls that hiss but it definately wasnt a barn owl. Much smaller. Didnt see the front at he was well hidden. We were walking across a meadow and had just stopped to watch a woodpecker on a knarled old tree when we stepped closer we heard the hiss then saw the bird fly off. Any ideas?
Hi Starling, welcome to the forum.
Unfortunately I can't give an ID of the bird you saw based on the description!
I can give you some information about why birds hiss, The main reasons are they are frightened or they are warning us away. Or a combination of both.
I have encountered this numerous times when checking nest boxes. Great Tits and Blue Tits, if an adult bird is sitting on eggs then I'm often be greeted with a hiss. Also Swans and Geese often hiss when protecting a nest, young or food.
It is quite common but something that most people will never encounter.
Think of a bird hissing as you would a dog growling. The reasons are pretty much the same.
Hope this helps!
Regards Buzzard
Nature Is Amazing - Let Us Keep It That Way