Eagles represent power and freedom, their massive wingspans suggesting a deep, resounding roar. This visual grandeur often creates an expectation for an equally powerful vocalization, fitting for a top-tier predator. However, the true sounds produced by these magnificent raptors are often a surprise, completely contradicting the aggressive image they project. Understanding what an eagle actually sounds like requires setting aside popular culture and listening closely to the birds in their natural habitats.
Describing the True Eagle Call
The most recognized North American species, the Bald Eagle, possesses a call that is unexpectedly high-pitched and weak for a bird of its size. Instead of a deep, resonant scream, the typical adult vocalization is a series of shrill, rapid whistles or piping notes. These sounds are often described by ornithologists as surprisingly anticlimactic, sometimes even compared to the sound of a gull or a snickering laugh.
One of the most common vocalizations is the “chatter call,” which consists of seven to eight short, abrupt notes delivered in quick succession. Another frequent sound is the “peal call,” which is a high-pitched cry with three to five notes that can sound almost gull-like. This high frequency means the call does not carry the deep, intimidating quality associated with such a powerful raptor.
The Cinematic Sound Substitution
The powerful, piercing scream synonymous with an eagle soaring overhead in movies and television is almost never the sound of an actual eagle. This widely used audio effect is, in fact, the distinct, raspy cry of the Red-tailed Hawk. Hollywood sound editors intentionally substitute the hawk’s call because it is far more dramatic and imposing than the Bald Eagle’s genuine, weak vocalizations.
This substitution was adopted early in filmmaking history when producers sought a sound that would better match the visual majesty and fierce reputation of the eagle. The Red-tailed Hawk’s scream is loud and hair-raising, fulfilling the audience’s expectation of a powerful bird of prey. The use of this stock sound effect has been so pervasive that the hawk’s voice has effectively become the fictional “voice” of all large raptors in media.
Context and Species Variations
An eagle’s vocalizations are not uniform, as the sounds change depending on the context and the specific species. Bald Eagles, for example, use a distinct, soft, high-pitched call when the female is ready to begin the breeding process. Both males and females also employ a high-pitched peal as a defense or alarm call, signaling when a perceived threat approaches the nest or a communal feeding site.
The Golden Eagle, another prominent species, offers a contrast to the Bald Eagle’s chattering and whistling. Golden Eagles are generally less vocal than their counterparts, but they still produce a range of sounds. Their territorial disputes often elicit louder, more intense screeching and screaming calls, though their regular communication includes high-pitched whistling “peal calls.”