The iconic scream of the bald eagle is one of the most recognizable sounds in the animal kingdom. But what exactly does this national symbol sound like and why? Here we explore the vocalizations of the American bald eagle in depth.
Screech or Squawk?
The most familiar vocalization of the bald eagle to humans is their loud, piercing scream. This is often described as a “screech” or “squawk”. However, ornithologists typically avoid these terms as they have specific meanings relating to the anatomy of bird vocalizations.
“Screech” refers to high-pitched vocalizations like those of owls. Bald eagles do not possess the specially adapted feathers in their throat to produce screeching sounds. “Squawk” implies the usage of vocal organs higher in the throat, near the glottis. Eagle screams mostly originate lower in the esophagus.
Instead, the proper term for the bald eagle’s scream is a “call”. Calls are loud vocalizations used for long-distance communication. The bald eagle scream serves several purposes which we will explore throughout this article.
Descriptions of the Bald Eagle Call
The bald eagle’s scream has been described in many ways by those who have heard it. Here are some of the most common descriptions:
- Loud
- Piercing
- Shrill
- Harsh
- Raspy
- High-pitched
- Grating
- Screeching (incorrectly)
- Fierce
These reflect the scream’s ability to carry over long distances and cut through background noise. It is an attention-grabbing sound. Some also describe an echoing, wavering, or vibrating quality.
Purposes of the Bald Eagle Call
Bald eagles utilize their loud scream for several reasons:
Territory Defense
Breeding bald eagles establish territories around their nest sites. They defend these territories from other eagles through various displays and vocalizations. The scream call acts as an audio warning to indicate that an area is occupied.
Alerting Others
Eagles also scream to alert other eagles. This often occurs when a food source has been found. The initial eagle will scream to summon others to share in the meal. It can recruit help to drive off competitors from the food as well.
Locating Mates and Offspring
Bald eagles can scream back and forth to their mate or offspring. This helps reunite pairs and families that have been separated. The far-carrying call allows eagles to locate each other over distances.
Expressing Excitement
Eagles will often scream in contexts of high emotion or intensity. Examples include engaging in defense of territories or offspring, making a kill, and greeting mates. It communicates an excited internal state during high-energy events.
When Do Bald Eagles Scream?
Bald eagles utilize the scream call in the following situations:
- Defending nest territory
- Warding off intruders
- Upon leaving the nest
- When about to land at the nest
- During courtship rituals
- After landing with food
- Before feeding young
- When food is delivered by mate
- During fights or territorial displays with other eagles
- When reuniting with mate or offspring
- Upon making a kill
Screaming is most frequent during breeding season from December to June. However, it still occurs year-round in a wide array of contexts.
What Does the Bald Eagle Scream Sound Like?
It is challenging to accurately describe a unique animal sound in writing. The best way to appreciate the bald eagle scream is to hear it yourself. Below are links to video and audio recordings:
Video Examples
Audio Examples
- Bald Eagle Screeching Sound Effect
- Loud, Raspy Scream (YouTube, queued to 0:45)
- High-Pitched Scream (YouTube, queued to 0:37)
Differences from Golden Eagle Screams
The golden eagle is North America’s other eagle species. Its voice is often confused with the bald eagle’s scream. However, there are differences:
Bald Eagle | Golden Eagle |
---|---|
Higher pitched | Lower pitched |
Raspier | Clearer |
Shorter, more abrupt | Longer, more drawn out |
The bald eagle’s scream is louder, sharper, and more piercing. The golden often sounds almost melodious in comparison.
Other Bald Eagle Vocalizations
The bald eagle scream is the most recognizable vocalization, but they have others as well. These include:
Chirps
Eagles emit short, high-pitched chirping sounds. These are contact calls used between parents and offspring, and mated pairs. Chirps communicate location.
Growls
A deep, rumbling growl is used during close-range agonistic encounters with competitors. It signals aggression and helps intimidate rivals.
Barks
Barks are made when approaching the nest. Mate recognition occurs through this vocalization. It proclaims excitement upon returning to the nest as well.
Begging Calls
Eaglets beg for food from parents with loud, raspy hisses and chirps. These stimulate the adult to feed the chick.
Why Do Bald Eagles Scream So Loudly?
The bald eagle’s scream evolved to be loud so that it carries over long distances. Communication is key between well-spaced nesting eagles. Loud calls achieve several signaling functions:
- Locating mates and offspring
- Defending territories
- Summoning others to food
- Expressing excitement
The excellent eyesight of eagles allows them to remain spaced apart while foraging. But loud vocalizations help bridge these distances for coordination. Additionally, loud screams are effective territorial signals.
Anatomy Behind the Scream
Specialized anatomical structures enable the bald eagle’s loud scream:
- Large gape – Wide open-mouth creates resonance
- Long trachea – Tubes air from lungs efficiently
- Large syrinx – Vocal organ in chest produces sound
- Pessulus – Bony structure that complements syrinx
Together, these form an efficent resonating system to create their signature scream. Large vocal organs vibrate large volumes of air from the trachea and lungs to make an intense, far-reaching call.
Mimicking the Bald Eagle Scream
The bald eagle scream is frequently mimicked in pop culture due to its association with America. Fans imitate it at sporting events to rally crowds. It is used in movies, logos, and other media associating with patriotism or freedom.
To mimic the scream yourself:
- Take a deep breath and open your mouth wide
- Exhale while vocalizing an “Aaa” sound from deep in your throat
- Cut the sound off sharply at the end
- Add vibrato and vary the pitch
Emphasize the initial “Aaa” and end abruptly. Let it waiver and sound somewhat strangled. Practice matching video references for authenticity.
Conclusion
The signature scream of the American bald eagle is an iconic sound embedded in our nation’s identity. This loud, piercing vocalization carries over long distances to facilitate communication, territoriality, and expression. The ability to produce this distinctive cry stems from specialized anatomical adaptations suited for such an intense call. The next time you hear a bald eagle, listen closely to appreciate the uniqueness of its scream.