Eagles are powerful birds of prey, recognized for their impressive size and commanding presence. While their visual majesty is widely acknowledged, their vocalizations are equally remarkable. Exploring the true sounds eagles make offers a deeper insight into their communication and behavior.
The Primary Sounds of Eagles
Contrary to popular belief, the piercing, high-pitched scream often heard in movies depicting eagles is not made by eagles themselves. This iconic sound actually belongs to the Red-tailed Hawk, a different species of raptor. Filmmakers historically substituted this vocalization for dramatic effect, as actual eagle calls were deemed less “majestic” for cinematic purposes.
True eagle calls, particularly those of the Bald Eagle, are higher-pitched and less powerful than expected. Bald Eagles commonly produce high-pitched chirps, whistles, and giggle-like sounds. The “peal call” is a high-pitched, prolonged, gull-like cry, sometimes followed by rapid notes. The “chatter call” consists of introductory notes followed by a rapid series of descending notes, often compared to a laugh. Eagles also use a “kuk-kuk-kuk” call, and young eagles make a distinctive “cheeping” sound to solicit food.
Species-Specific Vocalizations
Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) are known for their varied vocal repertoire, including high-pitched chirps, whistles, and piping notes. Their calls are often described as surprisingly weak for such a large bird, sometimes resembling the cries of a gull. Female Bald Eagles may also emit a soft, high-pitched note to signal mating readiness.
Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) are much quieter and less vocal than Bald Eagles. When they vocalize, their calls are higher-pitched, less varied, and often described as weak whistles. They produce sharp “kya-kya-kya” sounds or soft mews, especially during breeding. Golden Eagles are primarily heard when communicating with mates or when young beg for food.
The Meaning Behind Eagle Calls
Eagles use diverse vocalizations to convey specific information. Territorial defense is a common reason for calling, as eagles warn others to stay away from nesting or hunting grounds. Male Bald Eagles, for example, use a high-pitched peal call to signal when other birds or humans approach their nest or communal feeding sites.
Communication between mates is another function of eagle calls. Pairs use vocalizations to maintain contact, coordinate hunting, and during courtship. This reinforces their pair bond and ensures cooperative behaviors. Parental communication is also important, with adults calling to chicks for food, and chicks using cheeping sounds to beg for sustenance. Alarm calls warn of predators, alerting other eagles to danger.