Eagles, majestic birds of prey often associated with powerful screeches, frequently spark curiosity about their actual vocalizations. Many people are surprised to learn that the sounds they expect from these impressive raptors often differ significantly from what eagles truly produce in their natural habitats. Understanding the authentic calls of eagles provides a deeper appreciation for their communication and behavior in the wild.
The Hollywood Myth
The piercing, dramatic scream commonly heard in movies whenever an eagle appears is a widespread misconception. This powerful shriek, often linked with a Bald Eagle, is typically not their true call. Instead, filmmakers and sound editors frequently substitute the vocalization of a Red-tailed Hawk to enhance the perceived majesty of the eagle on screen. This artistic choice has created an inaccurate impression of what eagles actually sound like. The Red-tailed Hawk’s scream is distinct and memorable, leading many to associate it incorrectly with eagles.
The True Voices of Eagles
Bald Eagles, despite their large size, produce surprisingly weak calls, often described as high-pitched whistles, chirps, or piping notes. Their vocalizations can sound like rapid, high-pitched notes, sometimes likened to a snickering laugh or the cries of a gull. A common Bald Eagle vocalization is the “chatter call,” which consists of three to four introductory notes followed by a rapid sequence of descending notes. Another call is the “peal,” a high-pitched cry “kwit-kwit-kwit-kwit-kee-kee-kee-kee-ker,” often followed by several rapid notes.
Golden Eagles, while also raptors, tend to be less vocal than Bald Eagles. Their occasional calls are often high-pitched, weak, and whistled. Some descriptions characterize their sounds as “pathetic” or “puppy-like,” which seems incongruous with their formidable size. They are most likely to vocalize during the breeding season, with nestlings making high-pitched begging calls that can travel long distances. Adult Golden Eagles may use calls like a “wip” or a “wonk” when delivering food to their young.
Reasons Behind Eagle Calls
Eagles use vocalizations for communicative purposes. Calls play a role in establishing and defending territory, warning off intruders, including other eagles or threats. Male Bald Eagles, for instance, use a high-pitched peal as a defense mechanism to signal when other birds or humans are approaching. These calls also ward off attacks at communal feeding sites.
Communication between mates is another function of eagle calls, particularly during the breeding season. Female Bald Eagles have a soft, high-pitched call that is repeated multiple times when they are ready to mate. Parent eagles use specific calls to communicate with their chicks, such as alarm calls to alert them to danger and begging calls from nestlings for food. These vocal signals contribute to the social structure within nesting sites and feeding areas.
Species-Specific Sounds
While both Bald and Golden Eagles possess distinct vocal repertoires, their typical sounds differ significantly. Bald Eagles are generally more vocal, using their varied calls for daily interactions and territorial displays. Golden Eagles, in contrast, are much quieter, often remaining silent even during breeding. These differences reflect adaptations to their environments and social behaviors, with Golden Eagles relying more on visual cues and less frequent auditory communication.