The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) is renowned for its speed and aerial acrobatics. It is the fastest animal on the planet and can reach speeds of over 200 mph when diving after prey. But along with its impressive physical abilities, the peregrine is also equipped with a loud, piercing cry that is often described as a “kree-eee-ar”.
This high-pitched call serves multiple purposes for the peregrine falcon. It is used to communicate with other peregrines, defend territories, attract mates, and warn intruders. Additionally, the signature cry plays an important role during peregrine courtship displays and helps falcons keep track of each other when hunting in pairs or family groups. Understanding the meaning and context behind the various vocalizations of the peregrine provides insight into the behavior and ecology of this fascinating bird of prey.
Anatomy of the Peregrine Falcon Cry
The peregrine falcon has a specially adapted syrinx (vocal organ) that allows it to produce its loud, harsh cries. The syrinx contains vibrating tissues that modulate airflow from the lungs, enabling birds to create diverse sounds. In falcons, the syrinx is large and supported by strong cartilage rings, which gives their vocalizations the brassy, resonant quality for which they are known.
When peregrines call, they can contract syringeal muscles on one side of the trachea to produce the two syllables “kree-eee” separately. Falcon cries are often described as “far-carrying”, which allows them to be heard over long distances. The wide frequency range of peregrine vocalizations (500 hertz to 8 kilohertz) ensures sounds stand out against ambient noise. Calls are also amplitude modulated, meaning they increase and decrease in volume in distinct patterns. All these acoustic properties allow peregrine cries to effectively convey different meanings in various situations.
Factors That Influence the Falcon’s Call
Several elements influence the sound of a peregrine’s cry:
- Age – Nestlings begin making raspy screeches soon after hatching. As they grow, their voices deepen and they begin making more adult-like calls.
- Sex – Female peregrines produce higher pitched cries than males.
- Geography – Regional dialects in calls have been observed in different peregrine populations.
- Context – The tone and delivery of cries varies depending on the bird’s intent.
By six weeks of age, a young peregrine is capable of making clear “kree-eee-ar” sounds audible at great distances. However, subtle differences in vocalizations can reveal a lot about the age, sex, and origin of individual birds.
Behaviors Associated with the Falcon Cry
Peregrine falcons utilize their piercing cries in the following contexts:
Territorial Displays
Peregrines are highly territorial, especially when breeding. To deter intruders, falcons will fly around their nest sites and perches making loud territorial screams. This helps ward off competing peregrines and other potential threats. Both male and female falcons participate in defense of the territory.
Pair Communication
Mated peregrines maintain contact through a variety of vocalizations like civilian chatter calls. These help coordinate actions between breeding pairs. Softer chittering notes are used between parents and offspring as well. The falcons’ loud alarmed scream is understood by the mate and signals danger.
Courtship
In courtship the male performs aerial displays while vocalizing excitedly. The female may also make begging screams when soliciting food from the male as part of bonding rituals. Unique screams are associated with copulation. Contact calls keep the pair together during this period.
Hunting
When hunting in groups, peregrines use calls to signal the presence of prey and coordinate positioning. Shorter kek or kakking notes are often used in this context. The male typically hunts from high above while the female pursues quarry below.
Types of Peregrine Falcon Calls
Some of the most common peregrine vocalizations include:
Territorial/Alarm Scream “kree-eee-ar”
This loud, urgent scream is most often heard during territorial displays or when alerting to threats. It carries over long distances and has an unmistakable piercing quality.
Long Call “klee-lee-lee”
A longer version of the basic falcon scream. Used by males when patrolling territories and communicating over distances.
Begging Scream “kee-eee”
High-pitched call made by females during courtship when soliciting food from the male or signaling the male to drive off intruders.
Contact/Greeting Call “kee-kee-kee”
Series of short, sharp notes used by mates when reuniting or communicating. Also used by parents summoning fledglings.
Alarm Growl “errrr”
Low, rolling call that serves as an aggressive warning at nest sites or perches. Used against potential terrestrial predators.
Alarm Bark “wok-wok-wok”
Rapid staccato call indicates highly alarmed state. Used to signify immediate approaching threat.
The Meaning Behind the Cry
While the peregrine falcon’s cries all convey a sense of urgency and aggression, each vocalization carries its own specific meaning:
- The territorial scream warns away intruders and communicates the falcon’s presence.
- Long calls allow peregrines to locate one another over large areas.
- Begging screams and contact calls strengthen social bonds between mates.
- Alarm calls signal danger and trigger appropriate evasive action.
Understanding these core meanings allows us to interpret the purpose behind a peregrine’s call based on context. The falcons utilize their broad vocal repertoire to express different needs in various situations throughout their daily lives.
When Do Peregrines Call?
Some key times when peregrine vocalizations are most frequently heard include:
- At dawn – territorial displays often begin at first light
- At nest sites – adults scream when defending nests
- During courtship – excited vocalizations made by courting pairs
- When leaving or arriving at roosts – contact calls exchanged
- During hunts – cooperative calling occurs between pairs/family groups
- When mobbing predators or threats – alarm calls elicit communal defense
Peregrines are most vocal early and late in the day. Dawn brings intense territorial displays, while dusk sees family groups converge at roosting spots amid much calling. Falcons occasionally call at night as well, especially when disturbed by nocturnal predators.
Identification Tips Based on the Call
The peregrine falcon’s signature scream is impossible to confuse when heard in full flight. However, at a distance or when brief, calls could potentially be mistaken for other species. Here are some identification tips:
- Peregrines make only 1-2 second screams, not long mewing cries.
- Calls sound urgent, piercing – not soft and trailing off.
- No rhythm or melodic quality like some buteos.
- Watch flight style – direct, powerful wing beats plus aerial agility points to peregrine.
- Pay attention to behavior – defending nest sites or aerial courtship displays.
Centering your observation on more than just vocalizations helps avoid misidentifications. Combining cry details with flight profile, behavior, and plumage improves accuracy.
Unique Adaptations
The peregrine falcon’s renowned speed and aerial capabilities are complemented by acoustic adaptations that enable their unique cries:
- Large syrinx with stiff cartilage allows for greater volume and range.
- Capacity to make syllables independently yields distinctive screams.
- Wide frequency range (500Hz – 8kHz) provides loud, clear calls.
- Amplitude modulation gives vocalizations dramatic fluctuations in volume.
These specializations give peregrine calls the distance and distinction needed to function during hunting, territoriality, courtship, and other behaviors. The peregrine scream is optimized to deliver urgent messages with unmistakable meaning.
Cultural Significance
The peregrine falcon’s wild crying echoes through literature and popular culture, often symbolizing speed, aggression, or loneliness:
- Featured in poetry, literature, and myths for centuries.
- Used in falconry – “hawk’s scream” signifies falcon being flown at quarry.
- Associated with rebelling against oppression – featured on flags, emblems, etc.
- Nicknamed the “Prince of the Air” and similar noble titles.
- Scream evokes the remote wilderness, inspiring artists and explorers.
From ancient fables to modern sports teams, the peregrine’s iconic cry connects it to ideals of freedom, power, and the untamed natural world. As populations recover, new generations continue to be moved by this wild, indelible sound.
Conclusion
The peregrine falcon’s loud, excited scream plays a vital role in territory defense, social bonding, hunting, and alarming. Variations in tone, pitch, and rhythm convey different meanings that neighboring falcons understand. This complex vocal repertoire allows peregrines to survive and thrive in diverse habitats worldwide. The unmistakable cry once inspired ancient legends, entered literary canons, and now signifies the success of conservation programs bringing peregrines back from the brink. As modern life pushes civilization ever forward, the peregrine’s wild scream still retains the power to transport listeners back into nature’s wonder.
