The iconic screech of the bald eagle is frequently used in movies to represent the essence of American freedom and patriotism. However, the actual sound that bald eagles make is quite different from the dramatic screeching cry that is commonly heard in films. So why is a fake sound used instead of an authentic eagle call? There are a few key reasons:
Authentic Bald Eagle Sounds Are Not Very Impressive
In reality, most bald eagle vocalizations are somewhat underwhelming. Their most common cry is a series of high-pitched chirping whistles that don’t carry much dramatic weight. Here’s an example:
While interesting to ornithologists, this call lacks the gravitas that movie producers want to convey. The true call of a bald eagle is not nearly as stirring or majestic as the sound typically used in cinema.
FakeCalls Are Specifcally Designed to Be Dramatic
The iconic eagle scream used in movies is often a red-tailed hawk call that has been digitally altered to have more resonance and depth. Red-tailed hawks make a high-pitched descending scream that carries well over distances:
By lowering the pitch and adding reverb effects, sound designers can make this call sound more imposing. The final sound effect is highly evocative and conveys the emotion that moviemakers want to tap into, even if it’s not 100% realistic.
Legal Restrictions On Bald Eagle Recordings
The bald eagle is a protected species in the United States under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. This law makes it illegal to disturb or harass bald eagles, including disrupting their normal behavior by getting close enough to record their vocalizations. There are limited exceptions for certain educational, scientific, and cultural purposes.
As a result, high-quality bald eagle call recordings are scarce. Even if they could be obtained, their use may require special permitting. The readily available stock sound effects of altered hawk calls avoid any legal gray areas when it comes to using authentic bald eagle cries in movies.
When Are Real Bald Eagle Calls Used?
Genuine bald eagle vocalizations are heard in some specific contexts:
- Documentary films or media when authenticity is paramount
- Zoos or bird exhibits where the eagles are permanently located
- Educational materials produced by wildlife organizations
- Short clips recorded from a safe distance in the wild by permitted professionals
However, for mainstream entertainment productions, substituted stock sound effects are generally the norm.
Examples of Fake Eagle Sounds in Movies
Here are some classic examples of bald eagle sound effects being used in Hollywood films:
The Colbert Report
Stephen Colbert famously used a dramatic eagle cry and imagery in the opening segment of his political satire show:
This uses a common stock sound effect that exemplifies the bold, screeching eagle call ingrained in the public imagination.
The Lord of the Rings
In the film The Two Towers, a giant eagle swoops into battle carrying Gandalf, accompanied by a piercing eagle shriek:
The eagle’s cry here is a stereotypical high-pitched screech that aligns with the common cinematic sound trope.
Star Spangled Banner Performances
It’s common for faux eagle screeches to be edited into patriotic performances of the American national anthem, like in major sporting events or presidential inaugurations. For example:
This associates the substitued eagle cries with American patriotism and nationalism in a de facto audio tradition.
Conclusion
The characteristic Hollywood eagle scream is an artificial sound that has become a shorthand for evoking American symbolism and strength. But in reality, bald eagles make more mellow chirping vocalizations that lack drama. Legal protections restrict using actual bald eagle calls, so foley artists remix the screams of more common hawks. This fake yet iconic eagle shriek persists as a movie sound trope due to its nostalgic patriotic associations. So next time you hear that piercing cry in a film, remember it was probably performed by a red-tailed hawk!
