Hawks produce a variety of vocalizations used for different purposes. Some of the most common hawk sounds include screeches, screams, whistles, and alarm calls. The specific sounds a hawk makes can vary by species, but some characteristics are shared among many hawks.
Screeches
One of the most recognizable hawk vocalizations is a loud, piercing screech. These screeches are often made by red-tailed hawks, red-shouldered hawks, and Cooper’s hawks. A hawk’s screech serves different purposes depending on the context:
- Defending territory – Hawks will screech to warn intruders away from their territory and signal that the area is occupied.
- Communicating with mates – Screeches are used to signal a mate and maintain the pair bond.
- Begging – Young hawks screech when begging parents for food.
- Alarm call – When mobbing predators like owls or coyotes, hawks will screech to signal danger.
The red-tailed hawk’s alarm screech is frequently used in movies and TV shows as a generic eagle cry. This species has a trademark raspy, piercing scream that carries over long distances.
Screams
Some species like the red-shouldered hawk and Cooper’s hawk have scream-like calls. These screams sound higher-pitched and more urgent than screeches. Screams are often used to signal alarm when defending a nest or as part of an aggressive territorial display. The Cooper’s hawk is sometimes referred to as the “bird bully” because of its screaming dives and attacks on songbirds and other intruders.
Whistles
Sharp-shinned hawks and other Accipiter species make high-pitched whistling calls. These vocalizations are thought to maintain contact between mates and signal alarm. The whistles carry well through vegetation, allowing the birds to communicate over distances within forest habitats. Whistles are often made in flight during courtship displays or territory boundary patrols.
Alarm Calls
When hawks spot a threat like a predator approaching their nest, they use loud alarm calls. These calls signal offspring to take cover and may recruit other hawks to mob the intruder. Alarm calls are often coupled with direct attacks on the predator. The red-tailed hawk has a hoarse, guttural “kak-kak-kak” alarm call.
Other Vocalizations
In addition to the main calls, hawks have many other vocalizations used in social interactions:
- Squeals – Made by young hawks begging for food or as feeding calls between mates.
- Clucking – A softer clucking or chuckling call used by mates communicating on a nest or roosting area.
- Cackles – Loud, rattling cackle sounds made during agitated territorial displays.
- Screams – Prolonged screams indicate distress, used by hawks caught by predators.
- Chirps – Short chirping sounds made in flight may coordinate hunting or indicate hunger.
Variation Between Species
While all hawks share some characteristics in their vocalizations, each species has distinctive elements to their calls. Some differences include:
Species | Sound Description |
---|---|
Red-tailed hawk | Hoarse, raspy screams. Familiar “kak-kak-kak” alarm call. |
Red-shouldered hawk | Very loud, whistling screams. Lower-pitched than Cooper’s hawk. |
Cooper’s hawk | High, piercing screams. Higher-pitched than red-shouldered. |
Sharp-shinned hawk | Whistling “klee-klee-klee” calls. Very high-pitched. |
Northern goshawk | Croaking “gua-ak” and harsh “kak-kak-kak” alarm calls. |
Identifying a hawk by sound alone takes practice. Listening to recordings and learning each species’ unique vocals can help birders distinguish between different hawk sounds.
When are Hawks Most Vocal?
Hawks are most vocal during the breeding season from spring through mid-summer. As they establish territories and nest, the frequency of calls increases. After chicks hatch, alarm calls and begging screeches become more common. Vocalizations are used to communicate between mates, defend territories, and beg for food.
In winter, hawks are generally quieter except for occasional screeches or whistles as they interact at feeding grounds. The alarm calls and screaming territory defense are not needed outside of the breeding season when the birds are not nesting.
Hawk Hearing Abilities
Hawks have excellent hearing adapted to detecting prey rustling in vegetation and fellow hawks calling over distances. Their ear placement also helps locate sounds in three dimensions when hunting. Hawks can hear low-frequency sounds better than humans, allowing them to hear rodent footsteps in leaves from 50 feet or more away.
Studies show red-tailed hawks can hear frequencies between 1,000 to 8,000 Hz. For comparison, human hearing ranges from 20 to 20,000 Hz. The hawk’s specialized auditory system supports their hunting and communication needs.
Mimicking Hawk Sounds
It is possible to mimic certain hawk screams to elicit a response call. Birders might try their vocalization skills to detect hard-to-spot hawks on territories. However, carefully consider the context to avoid excessive disturbance to breeding or nesting hawks.
A simple “klee-klee-klee” can attract a territorial Sharp-shinned or Cooper’s hawk in forested areas. However, be cautious with mimicking as it could disrupt normal behavior or attract predators to a nest. Observe regulatory guidelines on excessive harassment of wildlife when interacting.
Using Hawk Sounds to Deter Pests
Natural hawk vocalizations have been used to deter pest birds from areas like airfields where they pose hazards to aircraft. Systems broadcast predator cries that frighten away problem species without harming them.
This method takes advantage of innate anti-predator responses to sounds like hawk screeches. It provides an alternative to poisons or killing birds. However, the sounds must be used judiciously to avoid habituation.
Significance of Vocalizations
Hawk vocalizations play an essential role in communication, territorial displays, courtship, mating, and predator defense. Understanding the meanings behind screams, whistles, and alarm calls provides insights into hawk behavior and ecology.
These complex vocal repertoires show the sophistication of hawk social relationships. Calls regulate interactions and enable cooperative breeding behaviors. The variety of hawk sounds add to the immersive experience of being in nature.
Conclusion
Hawks have a wide vocabulary of calls adapted to their lifestyles. Alarm screams signal danger, while whistles and clucks strengthen social bonds. The characteristic raspy screech of a red-tailed hawk or piercing scream of a Cooper’s hawk embody the spirit of the wild.
Distinguishing hawk species by sound takes practice, but improves birding abilities. Understanding the meanings behind vocalizations allows us to appreciate hawks on a deeper level. Listening to hawks transport us into their world of aerial acrobatics and fierce grace.