Bald eagles do not screech in the way that many people think they do. The iconic “eagle scream” that is often heard in movies and television shows is actually the call of a red-tailed hawk. In reality, bald eagles have a high-pitched, laughing call that is much less intimidating than the scream of a red-tailed hawk.
The Actual Sound of Bald Eagles
Bald eagles make a series of high-pitched whistling noises, and one of their calls even kind of sounds like laughter. These calls are often heard near water, as bald eagles primarily eat fish and are typically found near large bodies of water that provide good fishing and tall trees for nesting sites.
The misconception that bald eagles screech like red-tailed hawks is largely due to Hollywood. Many filmmakers have dubbed over the natural sounds of bald eagles with the call of the red-tailed hawk to make the eagle sound more dramatic and intimidating. This has led to a widespread belief that bald eagles make a screeching sound, when in fact they do not.
The Majestic Bald Eagle
Image source: Pexels by Anrita Krause
Despite their less-than-impressive call, bald eagles are still a powerful and majestic symbol of America. After nearly going extinct due to DDT poisoning, these raptors have made a remarkable comeback and are now found in every US state (except Hawaii) and Canadian province in North America.
Identifying Bald Eagle Calls
To learn more about the calls and sounds of bald eagles, you can watch the video “Bald Eagle Calls and Sounds (2024)” on YouTube. This video provides a detailed overview of the different noises that bald eagles make and offers tips on how to identify them.
Here are some key facts about the sounds of bald eagles:
| Sound | Description |
|---|---|
| Whistling | Bald eagles make a series of high-pitched whistling noises. |
| Laughing | One of the bald eagle’s calls sounds like laughter. |
| Screeching | Bald eagles do not make a screeching sound like a red-tailed hawk. |
| Location | Bald eagle calls are often heard near water, where they hunt for fish. |
In conclusion, while bald eagles may not have the dramatic screeching call that is often portrayed in media, their unique whistling and laughing sounds are still an integral part of their majestic presence in the wild. By understanding the true nature of their vocalizations, we can better appreciate the beauty and power of these iconic American birds.
