Hawks make a variety of vocalizations and non-vocal sounds that can help identify the species. The most common hawk noises are various types of calls, but some hawks also make other sounds using specialized feathers or with courtship displays.
Sharp-Shinned and Cooper’s Hawk Calls
Two of the most common small hawk species, the sharp-shinned hawk and Cooper’s hawk, make high-pitched “kik-kik-kik” sounds. These accipiter hawks use this call to communicate with mates and warn other hawks away from their territory. The calls are made in rapid sequences that can sound like a flock of birds chattering. Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s hawks make these kik calls year-round.
Red-Tailed Hawk Screams
The red-tailed hawk makes the classic screaming “keeeeer” cry that is often used to signify a bald eagle in movies and on TV. In real life, the red-tailed hawk is the species most likely to make this loud, piercing call. The red-tailed hawk’s scream is often described as sounding like “kee-eeee-arrrr.” They make these vocalizations to warn intruders, attract mates, communicate with their young, and proclaim their territory.
Red-Shouldered Hawk Cries
The red-shouldered hawk makes a series of loud, whistled calls that have been described as sounding like “kee-yar” or “here I am.” They make these territorial calls throughout the year but especially during courtship and the breeding season. Red-shouldered hawk cries are quite distinctive from the screams of red-tailed hawks.
Harris’s Hawk Chatter
The Harris’s hawk is a highly social raptor species that makes a lot of sounds when interacting with other hawks. They communicate with shrill, repeated calls that sound like high-pitched chattering or squeaking. Harris’s hawks make noise when flying in groups, defending territories, courting mates, feeding young, and warning each other of danger.
American Kestrel Killy-Killy Calls
The smallest North American falcon, the American kestrel, makes a two-syllable “killy-killy” call. The first syllable is short and high-pitched, while the second syllable is longer and lower-pitched. Male kestrels make this call when courting females or advertising their territory. Females sometimes make the call after copulation or when their chicks fledge.
Northern Harrier Sounds
The northern harrier is not a very vocal hawk species. Males make chittering sounds during courtship displays, while both sexes may hiss or give an occasional “kip” call when alarmed. Northern harriers also produce non-vocal sounds by clapping their wings together in flight. This clapping noise seems to be used for courtship and territorial displays.
Broad-Winged Hawk Whistles
Broad-winged hawks make high, whistled calls often described as sounding like “pee-pee-pee.” These calls are made by both male and female broad-winged hawks throughout the year. The whistled calls are used during courtship displays, to advertise nesting sites, and to signal alarm when defending territories or offspring.
Ferruginous Hawk Kaw Calls
The large ferruginous hawk makes a loud, wailing “kaw” or “keer” call. They use these far-carrying calls to communicate with their mate or offspring and to advertise territory ownership. Ferruginous hawks may also make clucking sounds during courtship. The kaw call is often made in flight, starting or ending a hunting foray.
Swainson’s Hawk Screams
Male Swainson’s hawks make loud, screaming cries to defend their nesting territories. These territorial screams often last for a minute or longer. Swainson’s hawks also make quieter mewing or squealing sounds around the nest. Females may “beg” with a clipping call to indicate readiness to receive food from the male.
Rough-Legged Hawk Wailing
The rough-legged hawk makes a loud, wailing “keee-ooooo” call. They use this far-carrying call to advertise territory ownership and attract or communicate with mates. Rough-legged hawks may also make barking, yelping, or squealing sounds around the nest. These vocalizations help strengthen the pair bond.
Non-Vocal Hawk Sounds
In addition to vocalizations, some hawks also make meaningful sounds without their vocal cords:
- Many raptors clap their wings together to communicate, display, or flush prey.
- Some falcons produce a “kak-kak-kak” sound with their beaks during aerial courtship displays.
- Harris’s hawks stomp their feet as a territorial display or to flush rabbits.
Hawk Call Identification Tips
Identifying hawk species by sound takes practice. Here are some tips:
- Learn the common hawk calls in your area.
- Note the call type (scream, whistle, chattering), pitch, rhythm, and volume.
- Consider the habitat—what hawks are likely in that environment?
- Look for visual confirmation of the calling bird.
- Review audio recordings and hawk call guides.
Conclusion
Hawks employ a wide repertoire of vocalizations and non-vocal sounds to communicate and interact with each other. From the striking scream of a red-tailed hawk to the chattering of courting Harris’s hawks, understanding the noises hawks make can help birders identify these impressive raptors in the field.