Hawks, powerful birds of prey, are often accompanied by distinct vocalizations. These sounds are as much a part of their identity as their keen eyesight. Vocalizations allow them to communicate across vast distances and within their immediate surroundings. Understanding the diverse sounds hawks produce offers a deeper appreciation for these raptors and their role in the natural world.
The Signature Sounds of Hawks
Hawks produce a variety of sounds, but many species are known for a piercing, often drawn-out cry. This can be described as a raspy scream, sometimes compared to the sound of a steam whistle. These calls often include a high-pitched element, allowing them to carry over significant distances. While some vocalizations are sharp and abrupt, others are more prolonged, characterized by a descending pitch. These sounds form a complex part of their communication.
These vocalizations can vary in duration, with some lasting several seconds. The overall impression is one of intensity and clarity. These characteristic sounds help identify a hawk’s presence, even when the bird itself remains out of sight. Their calls are adapted for effective transmission through various environments, from open fields to dense woodlands.
Why Hawks Vocalize
Hawks vocalize for several specific reasons, contributing to their survival and social structure. One primary purpose is territorial defense, where hawks use calls to warn other raptors away from hunting grounds or nesting sites. These loud, assertive calls act as a sonic boundary, particularly during breeding season. A hawk’s shriek signals a strong claim over an area, discouraging rivals.
Vocalizations also play a significant role in attracting mates and maintaining pair bonds. During courtship, male hawks may use distinct calls to serenade females, showcasing their vigor and health. Once paired, soft calls can reinforce the bond between a monogamous couple, helping them locate each other, especially when one is away hunting.
Hawks also use calls to warn others of potential threats, such as larger predators or humans, prompting other birds to seek cover. Young hawks, known as nestlings, emit persistent begging calls to solicit food from their parents, often higher-pitched and more insistent than adult vocalizations.
Identifying Calls of Common Hawk Species
Different hawk species possess unique vocalizations that help distinguish them.
Red-tailed Hawk
The Red-tailed Hawk, a widely recognized species, produces a hoarse, raspy scream often transcribed as “kee-eee-ar” or “tsee-eeee-arr.” This iconic call typically lasts two to three seconds and descends in pitch, a sound frequently associated with soaring birds of prey. Red-tailed Hawks tend to be most vocal when agitated, such as when a rival hawk enters their territory.
Red-shouldered Hawk
The Red-shouldered Hawk has a very different vocal signature, characterized by a loud, repeated “kee-aah” call, where the second note descends in pitch. These vocalizations are often described as a series of whistles and are notably loud, carrying over long distances. Red-shouldered Hawks are particularly vocal during the breeding season.
Cooper’s Hawk
Cooper’s Hawks, in contrast, typically produce a rapid, grating “kek-kek-kek-kek” or “cak-cak-cak” sound, which can last between two and five seconds. Both sexes use this call for nest defense and during courtship. Males may also use a single “kik” call to communicate their location, especially when bringing food to the nest, while females often use a “whaaa” call when receiving food. Outside of the breeding season, Cooper’s Hawks tend to be more silent.
Telling Hawk Sounds Apart From Other Birds
Distinguishing authentic hawk sounds from other bird calls requires careful listening and an understanding of common misidentifications. One prevalent confusion arises from media portrayals, where the piercing scream of a Red-tailed Hawk is frequently used as the vocalization for Bald Eagles. In reality, Bald Eagle calls are considerably softer and less imposing, often described as chirping whistles, lacking the raw intensity of a Red-tailed Hawk’s cry.
Another source of confusion comes from mimicry by other bird species. Blue Jays are well-known for their ability to imitate the calls of various raptors, including Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks. These imitations can be remarkably accurate, sometimes used by the jays to scare other birds away from food sources or to signal the presence of a predator. While Blue Jays can replicate the hawk’s call, their mimicry may not achieve the same volume or piercing quality as a genuine hawk’s vocalization. Paying attention to the context of the call, such as the bird’s behavior and the time of year, can help in accurate identification.