The red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus) is a medium-sized hawk that is a year-round resident in eastern North America. They are best known for their distinctive, piercing calls, which sound like long, whistled screams. These vocalizations are one of the most reliable ways to identify this species in the field.
Red-shouldered hawks produce a few different vocalizations, but their most common calls are a long, whistled “kee-aah” screech, and a shorter “keah” note. The long screech call is often described as sounding like “here I am!” or “kee-aah kee-ya-aah!”. This is the call that gives this species its alternate name of “spring hawk”. The screech call is often given in flight or perched on a tree, advertising and defending the hawk’s territory. The shorter “keah” call is frequently given near the nest and seems to communicate between mates or signal alarm.
Typical Vocalizations
Here are some details on the most frequent vocalizations of the red-shouldered hawk:
The Long, Whistled Screech
This is the iconic territorial call of the red-shouldered hawk. It is a loud, whistled scream that can carry for quite a distance. It sounds like a very drawn-out “kee-aah” or “kee-ya-aah”. The screech call often starts with a few short notes and then transitions into the long scream that trails off at the end.
When voiced in flight, the long screech call is often repeated several times in a row by the defending hawk. The duration of each screech is typically 2-3 seconds long. The calls are given about 2-5 seconds apart as the hawk circles over its territory.
This very recognizable descending scream is often phonetically interpreted as sounding like “here I am!” by birders. It is the classic sound of spring and one of the best ways to locate red-shouldered hawks in the field.
The Short “Keah” Call
In addition to the whistled scream, red-shouldered hawks have a shorter, bark-like “keah” vocalization. This is a one syllable call that sounds like a raspy “keah” or “kyah”. It is much shorter and sharper than the long screech.
The short “keah” call is often given near the nest by adults communicating with mates or offspring. This vocalization can signal alarm, indicate food delivery, or coordinate defense of the territory. Both the male and female red-shouldered hawks utilize the short “keah” call frequently when nesting.
Outside of the breeding season, this call is sometimes uttered alone or after the longer screaming calls during territorial displays. It seems to function as a general contact call when hawks are interacting. The short “keah” vocalization is an important communication sound used often by red-shouldered hawks throughout the year.
When Are the Vocalizations Made?
Red-shouldered hawks make their loud, whistling scream calls most frequently during the breeding season from March to July. However, they will vocalize year-round to defend territories. Here is when you are most likely to hear the different calls:
Long Screech Call
– Frequently given March-July during breeding season
– Used to defend nesting territory from intruders
– Often made in flight while soaring over territory
– Also used to attract a mate in late winter prior to nesting
Short “Keah” Call
– Common March-July near active nest
– Used by mates and parents at nest to communicate
– A signal of alarm or food delivery for offspring
– Sometimes made as a warning outside breeding season
Red-shouldered hawks are much more vocal on their breeding grounds than during migration or winter. However, the screaming call can still be heard sporadically year-round marking territory ownership. The short “keah” call is sometimes made on winter grounds as a contact call or alarm note.
Differences Between Calls of Males and Females
The calls of male and female red-shouldered hawks are relatively similar. However, there are some subtle differences between the vocalizations of each sex:
– Male calls tend to be slightly lower-pitched on average than female calls.
– Male screech calls often have a more drawn-out, whistled quality.
– Female screech calls can be more raspy and bark-like in tone.
– Females sometimes add in extra notes or syllables to the scream call.
– Male and female “keah” alarm calls are essentially identical.
So while male vocalizations are usually lower-pitched and smoother, females have a tendency to produce calls that are a bit more fragmented and harsh. However, there is enough variation that identification of sex by call alone is not completely reliable. The pitch and tone quality can help clue you in, but it’s not definitive on an individual basis.
Distinguishing the Call From Other Bird Species
The screaming call of the red-shouldered hawk is fairly unique and unlikely to be mistaken for other species. However, there are a few birds with somewhat similar vocalizations to listen for:
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-tailed hawks have a high-pitched, raspy scream that is often written as “kee-eeee-arrr”. This call is a few notes longer than the red-shouldered, and the tone quality is more shrill than whistled.
Broad-winged Hawk
The broad-winged hawk’s call is a whistled “pee-pee-pee” scream that rises and falls. It has a wavering or warbling quality unlike the red-shouldered.
Belted Kingfisher
The rattling, choking call of the kingfisher is sometimes mistaken for a red-shouldered hawk. But it is much more disjointed and gutteral than the hawk’s scream.
Blue Jay
Blue jays can produce a remarkably hawk-like screeching call in alarm situations. But the tone tends to be deeper and raspier than a red-shouldered, without the smooth whistle.
So while a few species may produce a superficially similar scream, none match the distinct whistled, descending tremolo of the red-shouldered hawk. Once you are familiar with it, the hawk’s call is virtually unmistakable.
Regional Variations
Across the wide range of the red-shouldered hawk, there are some subtle regional dialects in their vocalizations:
Florida/Southeast
Southern red-shouldered hawk screams tend to be a bit more shrill/nasal and have a fast tremolo. The calls may be repeated more frequently.
Pacific Coast
West coast red-shouldereds exhibit raspier, more drawn-out screams with a slower tempo. The calls have an almost mournful or wailing quality.
Southwest
In Texas and surrounding states, the red-shouldered hawk screams sound deeper and more baritone than other regions. The calls have a distinctive low pitch.
Northeast
Northeastern populations produce classic screams with a strong whistled tremolo and clear, ringing tones. These are considered the “typical” screaming calls.
So while the overall vocalization remains the same, regional subspecies and groups can be identified by the fine details of the call’s tempo, pitch, raspiness, and tone quality. However, identification is still most reliable based on the scream’s fundamental signature and uniqueness from other species.
Reactions the Call May Provoke
The piercing screams of a red-shouldered hawk often provoke strong reactions from other birds in the area. Typical responses include:
Alarm Calls
Small songbirds like chickadees and titmice may give high-pitched alarm notes to warn others of the hawk’s presence. Crows sometimes mob the hawk in response as well.
Fleeing
When red-shouldered hawks emit their territorial scream, many smaller birds will hastily retreat from the area for safety. Screaming calls indicate a potentially dangerous hawk in the vicinity.
Hiding
Birds may freeze and attempt to hide in dense cover when hearing a nearby red-shouldered hawk scream, in order to avoid detection. Staying very still minimizes movement that might attract the hawk’s attention.
Aggressive Response
Other hawks, especially red-tailed hawks, may answer the call aggressively or approach to drive the red-shouldered away from their own territory. Competing birds of prey often duel vocally.
In general, the red-shouldered hawk’s screaming vocalizations indicate a predator occupying its hunting grounds, provoking avoidance, escape, or competition from other birds. However, the calls also serve to attract potential mates each spring.
Conclusion
The loud, whistled screaming calls of the red-shouldered hawk are an iconic sound of North American woodlands. These vocalizations play an important role in communication, breeding, and territory defense for this common hawk. The long, descending screams ring through the trees in spring announcing that a red-shouldered hawk is ready to breed. While variable across their range, the fundamental signature of the calls remains unique and identifiable. The next time you hear a melodic, whistled scream ringing through the forest, listen for the call of the “spring hawk”!
