The high-pitched, rasping scream of a hawk, often transcribed as “kee-eee-ar,” frequently cuts through the air as the bird soars overhead. This piercing vocalization is a deliberate form of communication, serving multiple purposes for the raptor. Heard most often when a hawk is circling at altitude, the sound is a powerful signal conveying information to rivals, potential mates, and family members below.
The Screech as a Territorial Warning
The hawk’s loud screech is primarily a declaration of ownership, functioning as an acoustic fence to delineate and defend its hunting and nesting grounds. The hoarse, screaming quality of the call, which can last for two to three seconds and is often repeated, is specifically adapted to travel long distances across open landscapes. This long-range signal warns rival hawks that the area is occupied, establishing boundaries without requiring a physical confrontation. The volume and descending pitch of the sound effectively communicate the hawk’s size and determination to repel aggressive intruders from its established domain.
The raptor vocalizes loudest and most persistently when a rival or perceived threat enters its territory. This acoustic display demonstrates the hawk’s willingness to defend its resources, including prime hunting spots and secure nesting sites. Frequent use of the territorial call, especially during the breeding season, ensures other birds of prey are aware of the resident hawk’s claim.
Vocalizations in Courtship and Pair Bonding
Beyond territorial defense, the screech and its variations play a significant role in the hawk’s social life, particularly in mating and maintaining pair bonds. During late winter and early spring, the male hawk uses the screech as part of an elaborate aerial courtship ritual sometimes called “sky dancing.” This display involves the pair flying in wide circles at high altitudes, with the male performing dramatic dives and steep ascents. The piercing screams accompany these maneuvers, advertising the male’s availability and vigor to a potential mate.
Other specific vocalizations, such as a shrill, repeated “chwirk” call, are used in closer social interactions between mated pairs. These contact calls help the birds maintain awareness of each other’s location, especially when one is hunting or guarding the nest. The shared displays and vocalizations reinforce the monogamous bond, which often lasts for life. This communication is vital for the cooperative tasks of nest building, incubation, and provisioning the young.
Distinguishing the Red-Tail Call from Other Raptors
The loud, drawn-out screech is most commonly produced by the Red-tailed Hawk, making it the archetypal sound for birds of prey in popular culture. This specific vocalization is so recognizable that it is frequently substituted as a “Hollywood Hawk” sound effect for other species in media. For example, the public often hears the Red-tailed Hawk’s “kee-eee-ar” when a Bald Eagle is shown on screen, despite the eagle having a much softer, higher-pitched call. This common misconception highlights the Red-tail’s unique contribution to the soundscape.
Other raptor species possess distinctly different vocal repertoires that do not include the Red-tail’s signature rasping scream. Falcons, for instance, communicate with sharp, rapid cackles or chirps. Species like the Broad-winged Hawk produce a high-pitched whistle, while the Red-shouldered Hawk is known for its series of repeated, clear whistles.