Eagles are large birds of prey that belong to the Accipitridae family. There are over 60 different species of eagles found throughout the world, all of which are known for their keen eyesight and powerful talons that allow them to hunt fish, small mammals and other birds.
One of the most recognizable traits of eagles is the loud, piercing cries they make, which can often be heard from great distances. But what exactly are these vocalizations called? Eagles make a variety of different sounds, from soft chirps to loud screaming calls. The specific name given to an eagle’s loud, high-pitched cry depends on the context and the type of vocalization.
Eagle Screech or Scream
The most common term used to refer to an eagle’s loud, shrill call is a “screech” or “scream.” This type of vocalization is often made during breeding season as a territorial call, though eagles may also screech when threatened or excited. An eagle screech is made with an open beak and consists of loud, repetitive, descending screams that can carry for miles.
Different eagle species have variations in the sound of their screams. For example, a bald eagle’s screech is higher-pitched and more drawn out compared to a golden eagle’s slightly deeper, coarse screams. The red-tailed hawk is sometimes confused with the bald eagle since their screeches are similar in pitch. Regardless of species, an eagle scream is a piercing, awe-inspiring sound.
Eagle Call
Another general term for an eagle’s vocalization is a “call.” This can refer to any sound an eagle makes, including screeches, but more often is used to describe an eagle’s longer, more melodic vocalizations. For example, the loud, wavering cries made by a pair of eagles during a territorial display or courtship ritual are sometimes referred to as their “calls.”
Eagles may also make a series of short, soft chirps referred to as “chatter calls.” These chirps are used communicatively between eagles, especially between parents and their chicks. An eagle’s wide range of loud screams, wavering calls and soft chirps all fall under the broad term of “eagle calls.”
Eagle Shriek
Another dramatic term for an eagle’s scream is a “shriek.” This refers to the same loud, penetrating scream sound but emphasizes the harsh, grating quality characteristic of an eagle’s voice. An eagle shriek is often described as sounding similar to fingernails dragging across a chalkboard. The term “shriek” highlights the discomforting, stomach-turning effect the sound can have.
Bald eagles in particular are known for their bone-chilling shrieks, which they make to claim their territory or summon their mate. If you hear a loud, piercing cry echoing overhead, you may refer to the sound as either an eagle scream or eagle shriek.
Eagle Cry
“Cry” is a general term that can be used to describe any vocalization made by an eagle. However, it is more commonly used to refer specifically to an eagle’s wailing, wavering calls. The cries of an eagle pair performing a courtship display are often described as loud, melodic cries.
An eagle cry is generally longer, more complex and more musical-sounding than a short, simple scream or shriek. It invokes the mournful, swaying wails that eagles use to communicate over distances during the breeding season. To distinguish between an eagle’s harsh scream and its melodic cry, the specific context of the sound can clarify which term is most appropriate.
Eagle Chirp
In contrast to their loud cries and screams, eagles also make very soft, short vocalizations known as “chirps.” Eagle chirps sound like high-pitched staccato whistling or beeping.
Chirps are frequently made by a parent eagle communicating with its chicks at the nest. Chirps help the chicks identify and locate the parents. An eagle returning to the nest may chirp to let the chicks know it has arrived with food. Begging eaglets will chirp excitedly when they see the parent.
Chirps are also used between mated adult pairs. Eagle chirps are often made just before mating or upon reuniting at a nest. The soft, friendly-sounding chirps help maintain the pair bond. So an “eagle chirp” refers to the short, mellow whistling vocalizations used at the nest.
Eagle Peeps
Very young eagle chicks make soft, high-pitched sounds called “peeps” when begging for food from the parents. Peeping sounds may start developing within days of the chick hatching from the egg.
At first, an eaglet’s peeps will be weak and difficult to hear. But as the chick grows over several weeks, the peeps become louder and more insistent, especially when a parent arrives with food. The peeping calls are distinct from the louder screeching the chick will make later as it nears fledging age.
So in summary, “eagle peeps” refers specifically to the quiet sounds made by very young chicks.
Conclusion
Eagles have an extensive vocal repertoire that includes loud, screaming calls, melodic cries, short chirps and soft peeps. The specific terminology used to describe an eagle’s sound depends on factors like the bird’s age, context and vocal characteristics. But in general, an eagle’s loud, descending scream is referred to as a “screech” or “shriek.” Its melodic cries are commonly called “calls,” while short chirps signify friendly communication. Young eaglets use soft peeps to beg from their parents. The wide range of sounds in an eagle’s vocal toolbox enables it to effectively communicate within its territory. So next time you hear a piercing cry overhead, you’ll know it’s the awe-inspiring scream of one of nature’s great avian predators.
Key Facts on Eagle Sounds
Screech or Scream
- Loud, shrill, descending screams
- Used to establish territory and signal alarm/excitement
- Often heard during breeding season
- Bald eagle screams are drawn-out and high pitched
Call
- General term for any eagle vocalization
- Also refers to melodic, wavering cries
- Communicates over long distances, especially between mated pairs
Shriek
- Emphasizes the jarring, grating quality of a scream
- Invokes the bone-chilling effect of an eagle’s piercing voice
Cry
- Specifically describes loud, wavering calls
- Used during courtship displays and to communicate between mates
- More melodic and complex than a screech
Chirp
- Short, soft, high-pitched whistling sounds
- Used between parents and chicks at the nest
- Also made between mated adults when reuniting
Peeps
- Very soft, high-pitched begging calls
- Made by eaglet chicks when asking for food
- Develops into louder screeches as the chick matures
Conclusion
Eagles utilize a diverse range of vocalizations for vital communication. Loud screeches proclaim territory while softer chirps bond the family unit. Specific terms describe key details in each context. Understanding eagle sounds provides insight into the daily life events of these majestic raptors.
| Term | Definition | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Screech/Scream | Loud, shrill, descending scream | Territorial displays, alarm, excitement |
| Call | Melodic, wavering vocalization | Communication between mates |
| Shriek | Harsh, grating, piercing scream | Alarm, territoriality |
| Cry | Drawn-out, melodic scream | Courtship, pair communication |
| Chirp | Short, soft, high-pitched | Parent/chick communication |
| Peep | Very soft begging call | Chick begging for food |
Characteristics of Eagle Screeches vs. Cries
Screech/Scream
- Loud volume
- High, piercing pitch
- Descending, shrill quality
- Short duration
- Often repeated in series
Cry
- Long, drawn-out duration
- Lower pitch than screech
- Wavering, melodic quality
- Musical, complex structure
- Used for courtsip displays
Conclusion
Screeches are simple, short screams used in territoriality and alarm. Cries are elaborate, song-like calls used between mates. Paying attention to the pitch, length, pattern and context of the sound can reveal if an eagle is screeching or crying. Understanding these distinctions provides deeper insight into eagle communication.
Interesting Facts About Eagle Sounds
Their loud screeches can be heard up to 3 miles away
An eagle’s piercing scream carries surprisingly far. Their screams have been documented at volumes over 100 decibels, equivalent to the noise level of a chainsaw or motorcycle. This allows their territorial claims and alarm calls to be broadcast over a wide radius. Even from inside a house, the faint shriek of an eagle can be identifiable from miles away.
Eagles don’t actually “cry”
While eagles appear to “cry” when making certain wavering calls, they do not shed tears or make these sounds out of sadness. The cries that seem mournful or human-like are simply complex vocalizations used for essential communication between mates. Perhaps their melodic, wavering nature inspired the term “cry,” but eagles do not express emotions like humans.
Their beaks don’t move when screeching
Unlike singing with an open mouth, eagles keep their beaks tightly closed when emitting a loud screech. The piercing scream is produced internally through specialized syrinx vocal organs. This allows them to screech very loudly without opening their mouths at all. So don’t be fooled into thinking they are gently singing!
Eaglets peep before they can screech
Baby eagles start vocalizing with soft, high-pitched peeping soon after hatching. They develop the ability to make loud alarm calls around 4-5 weeks old. Within another month, they gain the capacity to make mature shrieks and screams. The peeping to screeching transition marks important milestones in an eaglet’s growth.
Their ears are adapted to withstand their own noise
Eagles are equipped to handle the damaging effects of their 120+ decibel screams. They have protective keratin scales covering their ears and ear canals. They also can constrict blood flow to minimize harm to ear structures. Without these adaptations, continuously exposing their ears to such loud noises would cause permanent damage.
Conclusion
Eagles possess some extraordinary physiological and behavioral traits related to their signature sounds. From far-reaching screeches to the ability to withstand their own noise, eagles are uniquely equipped to thrive. Gaining awareness of how and why eagles vocalize provides deeper insight into the lives of these remarkable birds. Whether it’s a melodic cry or piercing shriek, the varied vocalizations of eagles will continue to inspire awe and curiosity.
4 Types of Eagle Screeches and When They Are Used
Alarm Screech
A short, urgent, high-pitched scream, often repeated rapidly in response to potential threats. Signals danger to other eagles and offspring.
Excitement Screech
Loud, extended screaming during or after a successful hunt or territorial dispute. Conveys victory or an agitated, stimulated state.
Contact Screech
A loud call used to reveal an eagle’s location to its mate or offspring and call them to return. Establishes contact over a distance.
Territorial Screech
Prolonged, repetitive screeches to assert dominion over a nesting area and ward off intruders. Often performed in flight around boundaries.
Conclusion
Eagles utilize variations of their signature scream for different contexts. Alarm screeches warn of threats while territorial screeches define invisible property lines. Understanding the diverse situations eagles scream in provides insight into how they navigate daily life challenges and interactions. Whether warning of danger or commanding respect, the eagle’s scream is an effective and spectacular display of its power and adaptability as an apex predator.
How to Identify an Eagle By Its Screeches and Cries
Bald Eagle
High-pitched, shrill screams; drawn out cries described as “kee-kee-kee”. Only eagle with white head/tail.
Golden Eagle
Shorter, more coarse screams; melodic cries like “klee-uk-klee-uk”. Smaller/stockier profile than bald.
African Fish Eagle
Dog-like wailing shrieks; weeping yelps. Found near African lakes/rivers. Dark brown plumage.
Steller’s Sea Eagle
Deep, noisy yelping. Yellow bill distinctly contrasts dark plumage. Found in coastal Russia and Asia.
Wedge-Tailed Eagle
Very high-pitched, undulating screams. Pale throat/chest contrasts with dark wings and back. Native to Australia.
Conclusion
Variations in pitch, tone, pattern and habitat reveal distinctions between eagle species’ vocalizations. Listening closely to their screams and learning visual field marks facilitate identification. Understanding the unique voices of different eagles provides engaging insights into the diverse characteristics of these majestic raptors.
How an Eagle’s Screech Functions in the Wild
Territory Defense
Screeches act as audible warning signs around nests and feeding areas, signaling occupancy and deterring intruders. Frequent territorial screams establish boundaries.
Alarm Signal
Loud alarm calls quickly alert other eagles to danger from predators or threats like human disturbance. Serves as an early warning system.
Locating Mates/Offspring
Screeches allow mated eagles or eagle parents to pinpoint each other’s location, especially after leaving to hunt separately. Facilitates pair reunions.
Expression of Excitement
Prolonged screeching manifests the agitated, stimulated state of an eagle after a victorious battle or successful hunt. Conveys the bird’s energy.
Begging Call
Young eaglets emit loud, grating screams when parents return to the nest with food. Ensures offspring get fed.
Conclusion
An eagle’s scream serves diverse roles in communication, territoriality, and offspring care in the wild. This multi-purpose vocalization powerfully supports an eagle’s survival and reproduction across many key behaviors. The varied functions reveal the scream’s effectiveness as an adaptation.
