Great Black Hawks (Buteogallus urubitinga) are known for their distinct screeching calls, which are a series of high-pitched, drawn-out screams that can last for 2-4 seconds. These calls are given by both immature and adult hawks and are often described as a higher-pitched version of a bald eagle’s call. The screeching call is an important means of communication for Great Black Hawks, particularly during the breeding season when males and females regularly call to each other.

The Unique Screeching Call of the Great Black Hawk

The screeching call of the Great Black Hawk is a distinctive feature of this bird of prey. These calls are characterized by:

• High-Pitched and Drawn-Out: The screeching calls are high-pitched and can last for 2-4 seconds, making them stand out among the vocalizations of other hawk species.
• Heard by Both Immature and Adult Hawks: Both young and adult Great Black Hawks are known to produce these screeching calls, which are an important means of communication.
• Compared to Bald Eagle Calls: The screeching calls of the Great Black Hawk are often described as a higher-pitched version of the calls made by Bald Eagles.
• Used for Communication, Especially During Breeding: The screeching calls are particularly important during the breeding season, when males and females regularly call to each other.

Physical Characteristics of the Great Black Hawk

Image source: Great Black Hawk by Bernard DUPONT

In addition to their distinctive vocalizations, Great Black Hawks have several other unique physical characteristics:

• Large Size: Great Black Hawks are large, long-legged hawks with very broad wings and short tails.
• Plumage Differences: Adult Great Black Hawks are overall black with a prominent white band in the tail and a white tail tip, while juveniles are mottled brown and buff with black wingtips and many narrow bands on the tail.
• Habitat Preferences: Great Black Hawks are found in a variety of habitats, including arroyos and canyons, forests and woodlands, lakes, ponds, and rivers. In the United States, they are limited to the edges of flowing streams and are known to hunt low along streams, even wading in the water at times.
• Feeding Habits: Great Black Hawks feed on a wide variety of small creatures, but especially those found in water, including fish, frogs, tadpoles, and lizards, as well as small birds, snakes, rodents, insects, crayfish, and crabs in the tropics.

Distribution and Conservation Status

Great Black Hawks have a wide distribution throughout the Americas, but their populations in the United States are limited:

• Range: Great Black Hawks are found in the southwest and Texas in the United States, as well as in Central and South America.
• Migration Patterns: In the United States, Great Black Hawks are only summer visitors, arriving mostly in March and departing mostly in September and October. In most of their range, they are non-migratory.
• Conservation Status: Great Black Hawks are vulnerable to disturbance and loss of habitat, with possibly as few as 250 pairs in the United States.

In conclusion, the screeching call of the Great Black Hawk is a distinctive and important feature of this bird of prey. With their large size, unique physical characteristics, and specialized feeding habits, Great Black Hawks are a fascinating species that can be found in a variety of habitats throughout the Americas.

References:
– Sounds and Vocal Behavior – Great Black Hawk – Buteogallus urubitinga – Birds of the World: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/grbhaw1/cur/sounds
– Common Black Hawk Sounds – All About Birds: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Black_Hawk/sounds
– Common Black Hawk Similar Species Comparison – All About Birds: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Black_Hawk/species-compare/
– Black hawk- The hawk you didn’t know existed – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wl9SAlr8dIk
– Great Black Hawk – Nature – My View: https://www.nature-myview.com/blog/great-black-hawk
– Common Black Hawk | Audubon Field Guide: https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/common-black-hawk