When played, this ocarina sounds like an owl! The ocarina is a type of vessel flute. Ocarinas are different from whistles in that they have finger holes that allow them to make up to four different pitches. Ocarinas are used throughout the Andes, and have their origin in pre-Colombian times. Ocarinas come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are often used to imitate birds or to call livestock in the mountains.