Have you ever been outside and heard a piercing scream from above that sent chills down your spine? That might’ve been what many people call a “chicken hawk” – though I should clarify something right away! “Chicken hawk” isn’t actually a specific species but a nickname given to several hawks that occasionally prey on chickens and small birds.
The most commonly called “chicken hawk” is actually the Red-tailed Hawk, which makes one of the most recognizable bird sounds in North America. So when folks ask what a chicken hawk sounds like, they’re usually wondering about the Red-tailed Hawk’s distinctive call.
I’ve been fascinated with these magnificent birds for years and I’m excited to share what these hawks really sound like. Trust me once you hear it, you’ll never forget it!
The Iconic Red-tailed Hawk Scream
The Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) makes a call that is unmistakable once you know it Their vocalization is
- A hoarse, raspy scream that descends in pitch
- Lasts approximately 2-3 seconds
- Often described as “kree-eeeee-arr” or “tsee-eeee-arr”
- Comparable to a steam whistle
These hawks typically make this sound while soaring high in the sky. They’re most vocal when they’re angry or when a potential threat or rival hawk enters their territory. If you’ve spent any time outdoors in North America, chances are you’ve heard this call before, even if you didn’t know what it was!
Hollywood’s Favorite Bird Sound
Here’s something that blew my mind when I first learned it that classic “eagle scream” you hear in movies and TV shows? It’s almost never an actual eagle!
The piercing, intimidating screech used for Bald Eagles in films and television is usually the call of a Red-tailed Hawk. Hollywood sound engineers prefer using the Red-tailed Hawk’s powerful scream because real Bald Eagle calls are surprisingly soft, chirpy, and less dramatic than what audiences expect from such a majestic bird.
So whenever you watch a movie with an eagle soaring majestically while emitting a powerful screech, remember – you’re actually hearing a Red-tailed Hawk!
Other “Chicken Hawk” Sounds
While the Red-tailed Hawk is what most people think of when they say “chicken hawk,” other hawks sometimes get this nickname too. Let me cover a few others you might encounter:
Cooper’s Hawk
Another bird sometimes called a “chicken hawk” is the Cooper’s Hawk, which preys on smaller birds. Their calls are quite different from Red-tailed Hawks:
- Series of harsh, rapid-fire “kak-kak-kak” calls
- Higher-pitched than Red-tailed Hawks
- Often made when defending territory
Sharp-shinned Hawk
These small hawks also get the “chicken hawk” nickname occasionally:
- High-pitched, shrill “kik-kik-kik” calls
- Similar to Cooper’s Hawk but higher and more frantic
- Less commonly heard than Red-tails
When and Why Do These Hawks Call?
Red-tailed Hawks aren’t constantly screaming – they have specific reasons for vocalizing:
- Territorial defense – The loud scream serves as a warning to other hawks to stay away
- During courtship – Pairs may call to each other
- While hunting – Though they’re often silent hunters
- Juvenile begging calls – Young hawks make demanding calls to parents for food
Interestingly, these hawks are most vocal during breeding season (late winter through spring). If you’re hearing a lot of Red-tailed Hawk calls in your area, there’s probably a nesting pair nearby defending their territory.
How to Recognize a Red-tailed Hawk Call in Nature
When I’m out hiking, I always keep an ear out for these distinctive calls. Here’s how you can identify them too:
- Listen for a descending, screaming call that lasts 2-3 seconds
- Scan the sky – the hawk is usually soaring when calling
- The sound carries incredibly far, so the bird might be higher or further away than you expect
- Once you hear it a few times, you’ll never mistake it for anything else
Many people describe the feeling of hearing a Red-tailed Hawk as giving them goosebumps – there’s something primal and wild about that sound that resonates with us.
Where Can You Hear These Hawks?
The great thing about Red-tailed Hawks is that they’re incredibly widespread! You can find them:
- In every U.S. state (except Hawaii)
- Throughout Canada
- Across most of Mexico
- In various habitats from wilderness to suburbs and even urban parks
They’re particularly common in countryside areas with open fields and scattered trees or fence posts for perching. I’ve even spotted them in city parks! Their adaptability is one reason their distinctive call is so familiar to many people.
Red-tailed Hawk Calls vs. Other Hawks
If you’re interested in identifying different hawk calls, here’s a quick comparison:
| Hawk Species | Call Description | When They Call |
|---|---|---|
| Red-tailed Hawk | Descending “kree-eeeee-arr” scream | While soaring, territorial defense |
| Red-shouldered Hawk | Series of loud “kee-aah” calls | Territorial calls, often repeated |
| Swainson’s Hawk | High whistled “kreeeee” | Less vocal than Red-tails |
| Cooper’s Hawk | Rapid “kak-kak-kak” | When threatened or defending nest |
Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk Sounds
Young Red-tailed Hawks make different sounds than adults. If you hear what sounds like persistent, high-pitched food-begging calls near a hawk nest, you’re probably hearing juveniles. These calls can be quite incessant when they’re hungry!
The juvenile begging call is higher-pitched and whinier than the adult scream. Recordings captured in New York and Utah showcase these distinctive juvenile calls, which are commonly heard in late summer when young hawks are learning to hunt but still partially dependent on parents.
Courtship Sounds
During courtship, Red-tailed Hawks also make a shrill “chwirk” sound, sometimes giving several in succession. This is different from their classic scream and serves a specific social purpose between potential mates.
My Personal Experience with Hawk Calls
I remember the first time I clearly identified a Red-tailed Hawk call. I was hiking in a state park when I heard that distinctive scream from above. Looking up, I spotted the hawk circling overhead, its red tail catching the sunlight. There’s something special about connecting a sound to its maker, especially with such an iconic bird!
We had a nesting pair near my home last year, and let me tell you – they were LOUD when defending their territory! For weeks, we heard their screams daily, especially when crows would come too close to their nest. It was like having our own wild nature documentary playing outside our windows.
Mimicking These Sounds
Sometimes when I’m hiking with my kids, we try to mimic the Red-tailed Hawk’s call. It’s surprisingly difficult to get the exact pitch and raspiness right! If you want to try, the best description I can give is:
- Start with a high note
- Make it slightly raspy or hoarse
- Draw it out for 2-3 seconds
- Gradually lower the pitch as you go
- End with an “arr” sound
It’s definitely an attention-getter if you can pull it off in public! (Though maybe practice at home first!)
Common Misconceptions
There are a few mix-ups I should clear up:
- “Chicken hawk” isn’t a scientific name – It’s a colloquial term applied to several hawk species
- Not all hawks sound the same – Each species has distinctive calls
- Eagles don’t make the screaming sound from movies – That’s almost always a Red-tailed Hawk
- Hawks don’t constantly vocalize – They’re often silent when hunting
Protecting These Magnificent Birds
Red-tailed Hawks are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making it illegal to harm, capture, or kill them without proper permits. Their populations are currently stable, which is why their distinctive calls remain a common sound across North America.
If you’re lucky enough to have these hawks in your area, consider yourself fortunate! They help control rodent populations and are an important part of our ecosystem.
Final Thoughts
So what does a chicken hawk sound like? Now you know! That iconic, spine-tingling “kree-eeeee-arr” scream of the Red-tailed Hawk is one of nature’s most recognizable sounds. Next time you’re outdoors and hear that distinctive call, take a moment to look up – you might just spot one of these magnificent birds soaring above.
And next time you’re watching a movie with a “screaming eagle,” you can impress your friends by telling them it’s actually a Red-tailed Hawk they’re hearing!
Have you heard Red-tailed Hawks in your area? I’d love to know where you’ve encountered these amazing birds and their unforgettable calls!
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Hawk Alarm (for chickens)
FAQ
What is a chicken hawk?
A chicken hawk is not a specific bird species but rather an informal term used primarily in the United States. It collectively refers to three distinct types of North American hawks known for their tendency to prey on chickens and other small animals.
What does a Hawk Call sound like?
Hawks calls sound like a hoarse, screaming, “keeaaar”. They typically make calls when soaring, either to defend their territory or when asserting dominance. These calls typically last 2-3 seconds. Hawks fly with their wings spread wide and let out a distinctly piercing noise that sounds like “kree kree”.
What does a red tailed hawk call sound like?
The screech is the most recognizable of all red-tailed hawk calls. It’s a high-pitched, piercing scream that can be heard from a distance. The screech is used to establish territory and intimidate rivals. The whistle is a softer call that sounds like a long, drawn-out whistle. It’s used to signal a mate or to warn of danger.
What does a hawk chatter sound like?
The chatter is a rapid, staccato call that resembles the sound of a machine gun. It’s used to communicate with other hawks during flight and to alert them to prey. The begging call is a high-pitched, repetitive call that young red-tailed hawks use to beg for food from their parents. It’s often heard during the breeding season.
What are the characteristics of a chicken hawk?
Chicken hawks exhibit distinct features but also share common characteristics. All three species have hooked bills, long tails, and sharp talons, which are essential for hunting and gripping prey. Though sometimes mistaken for falcons, chicken hawks are usually larger and bulkier.
What does a hawk whistle sound like?
The whistle is a softer call that sounds like a long, drawn-out whistle. It’s used to signal a mate or to warn of danger. The chatter is a rapid, staccato call that resembles the sound of a machine gun. It’s used to communicate with other hawks during flight and to alert them to prey.
What is the difference between a hawk and a chicken hawk?
A “chicken hawk” is not a distinct bird species but rather a misleading, outdated common name for several actual hawk species, including the Cooper’s hawk, Sharp-shinned hawk, and Red-tailed hawk. These hawks are sometimes called “chicken hawks” because they may opportunistically prey on chickens, but their primary diets consist of smaller birds (for Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned hawks) and rodents or rabbits (for Red-tailed hawks). Therefore, a “chicken hawk” is simply a hawk sometimes perceived as a threat to poultry, not a separate type of hawk altogether.
What noises do hawks make?
Calls. 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 does it mean when a chicken hawk visits you?
A hawk’s visit might indicate that you are about to receive important information or that you need to clarify your goals and intentions.