Most people know the sound of the “chicken hawk” call, but what bird makes that sound? The name “chicken hawk” isn’t really accurate, since it’s used to describe a few different species of hawks that don’t usually eat chickens. That being said, the Red-tailed Hawk is the common hawk whose screams make it more often called a “chicken hawk.”
The Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) lives all over North America and is famous for the high-pitched, raspy sounds it makes. What does a Red-tailed Hawk sound like, though, and why does it make these noises? Let’s take a look.
The Iconic Red-Tailed Hawk Call
The Red-tailed Hawk’s signature scream is often described as sounding like “kee-eeee-arrr” or “tsee-eeee-arr.” This far-carrying call typically lasts around 2-3 seconds as it descends in pitch To many ears, it brings to mind the sound of a steam whistle
Their high-pitched cries are used to communicate and protect their territory. Hawks can scare off other hawks from their nesting and hunting grounds by making loud calls that can be heard from far away. The screams are most often heard when the hawk is flying high in the sky.
Interestingly, the shrill vocalizations of Red-tailed Hawks are often used in movies and TV shows to dub over Bald Eagle footage. The eagle’s own weak, chirping calls lack the dramatic impact that the film industry would like to portray. The Red-tailed Hawk’s scream evokes a much more fierce, intimidating image.
Regional Vocal Variations
The basic features of the Red-tailed Hawk’s scream are the same across its range, but there may be some subtle regional dialects. For example, birds from the Northeast, Midwest, South, and West may have slightly different calls because of their habitat, genetics, and other factors. For example, the scream of an East Coast bird might be a little different from that of a West Coast bird.
Young hawk calls also sound distinct from adult vocalizations. Juvenile Red-tailed Hawks use higher-pitched, more pleading cries to beg for food from their parents. As the young birds mature, their voices deepen to the more robust screams of adults.
Uses of Red-Tailed Hawk Vocalizations
Red-tailed Hawk screams serve a variety of important functions:
Territorial Defense
Screaming calls advertise occupancy of the hawks’ nesting and hunting grounds. Rival hawks hear these proclamations of territory and are warned not to intrude. This prevents unnecessary conflicts between birds.
Pair Bonding
Courting pairs may use elegant, harmonized screaming duets to strengthen their bond during breeding season. These coordinated vocalizations help synchronize the birds’ mating activities.
Communicating With Young
Adult Red-tailed Hawks scream to their chicks for a number of reasons, including alerting them to the arrival of food and warning of impending dangers. The young use their begging screams to request food from their parents.
Mimicry by Other Species
While Red-tailed Hawks are not known for their own mimicry abilities, other birds sometimes copy their iconic screams. Great Horned Owls may incorporate parts of the Red-tailed Hawk scream into their own calls, possibly to ward off potential nest predators like the larger hawks. Blue Jays are also able to produce remarkably accurate imitations of the hawk’s cry.
So the next time you hear a shrill, descending scream overhead, listen closely. If it sounds like “kee-eeee-arrr,” chances are it’s a vocal Red-tailed Hawk, the classic “chicken hawk,” defining its territory and communicating with others of its kind. With a little practice, you’ll be able to distinguish the Red-tailed Hawk’s iconic scream from the calls of other raptor species.
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Hawk Alarm (for chickens)
FAQ
What is the difference between a hawk and a chicken hawk?
The United States calls three types of hawks in the Accipitridae family “chickenhawks” or “chicken hawks.” These are the Cooper’s hawk (also called a quail hawk), the sharp-shinned hawk, and the Buteo species red-tailed hawk. The term “chicken hawk”, however, is inaccurate.
What noises do hawks make?
Adults make a hoarse, screaming kee-eeeee-arr. It lasts 2-3 seconds and is usually given while soaring. During courtship, they also make a shrill chwirk, sometimes giving several of these calls in a row.
What bird is mistaken for a hawk?
Similar SpeciesTurkey Vulture From a distance a soaring Turkey Vulture might look like a Red-tailed Hawk, but Turkey Vultures have longer, more rectangular wings, which the birds hold above horizontal, forming an easily visible V. Turkey Vultures are also much less steady when they soar.
What does a red tailed hawk sound like?
Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) make a call that is a hoarse, raspy scream that descends in pitch, which lasts roughly 2 – 3 seconds. Personally, I think it’s one of the BEST sounds of ANY bird! This call can be transcribed as “ kree-eee-ar ” or “ tsee-eeee-arr. ” Some people describe it as sounding similar to a steam whistle.
What sounds do Hawks make?
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.
How do you identify a red tailed hawk?
You will learn EASILY how to recognize the calls and sounds that a Red-tailed Hawk makes below. I think that after listening, you will realize that you have heard one before. Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) make a call that sounds like a hoarse, raspy scream that gets lower and lower. The call lasts for about two to three seconds.
What does a red tailed hawk call?
These calls are of young birds, doing what they do best – begging. So there you have all the information about the Red-tailed Hawk. If you are struggling to identify one because you can’t see its tail, then listen to its call. If it sends shivers down your spine then chances are, its a Red-Tailed Hawk.
Why do Hawks make loud 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.
What does a red tailed hawk scream like?
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. 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.