Hawks produce a variety of vocalizations, with their distinct screech being a common sound. These powerful calls are not random noises but serve as complex communication within their species. Understanding why a hawk screeches provides insight into their behavior and interactions in the wild, from establishing territories to raising their young.
Establishing Territory and Attracting Mates
Hawks frequently use screeches to define and defend territories. During breeding season, these vocalizations intensify as hawks assert their presence and warn off rivals. A persistent screech acts as an aerial “no trespassing” sign, signaling an occupied area. For instance, the Red-tailed Hawk’s loud “kee-eeeee-arr” call is often heard while soaring, indicating their claim over a hunting or nesting area.
Screeches are also integral to courtship and attracting mates. Male hawks may screech to signal availability and impress potential partners. Some courtship displays involve both male and female hawks screeching during aerial maneuvers, strengthening their pair bond. These calls solidify the connection between a breeding pair and can be sustained for extended periods as they establish dominance or find a suitable mate.
Communication Between Parents and Young
Prolonged hawk screeching often involves communication between adult hawks and their offspring. Young, recently fledged hawks frequently screech persistently to solicit food from parents. These begging calls are high-pitched and repeated, signaling hunger and location. This intense vocalization period can last for weeks after young leave the nest, as they remain dependent on parental feeding while learning to hunt independently.
Adult hawks also use screeches to guide their young, especially as they explore outside the nest. Parents may vocalize to encourage fledglings to move or warn them of dangers. This continuous dialogue helps ensure young hawks are fed and protected during a vulnerable stage. The sheer volume and frequency of these calls can make it seem as though a hawk is screeching all day, especially where hawk families are actively raising their brood.
Alarm and Warning Signals
Hawks employ screeching as an effective alarm system to alert others to threats. These calls notify other hawks, including mates or offspring, about predators. Larger raptors, such as eagles, or ground predators like mammals, can trigger these warning vocalizations. Human disturbance near a nest or territory can also prompt a hawk to screech as a cautionary signal.
The intensity and frequency of alarm screeches vary, reflecting the perceived danger. A sharp, repetitive call signifies an immediate threat and can even rally other birds to mob an intruder, driving it away. While less common for sustained “all day” vocalizations, persistent screeching can also indicate a hawk is in distress, such as being trapped or injured.