Crowned eagles are known for their distinct vocalizations, which are a series of loud whistles that rise and fall in pitch. These whistles are used in both territorial and breeding displays, with territorial displays occurring more frequently and mainly around the periphery of the bird’s home range.
The Vocalizations of Crowned Eagles
Crowned eagles have a noisy, undulating display flight and are highly vocal, particularly in Equatorial Africa where they often call year-round. Their vocalizations are a key characteristic of this species and are often described as a series of loud whistles that rise and fall in pitch.
Territorial Displays
Crowned eagles use their vocalizations in territorial displays, which occur more frequently and mainly around the periphery of their home range. These displays are used to mark and defend their territory from other eagles.
Breeding Displays
In addition to territorial displays, crowned eagles also use their vocalizations in breeding displays. These displays are used to attract mates and establish pair bonds.
Hunting Behavior of Crowned Eagles
Crowned eagles tend to hunt passively and mainly kill early in the morning and in the evening prior to sundown. They often still-hunt, wherein they drop or stoop onto prey from a branch perch following the sighting of suitable prey.
Prey Preferences
A majority of the crowned eagle’s kills are made on the forest floor, with arboreal prey being forced to the ground during an attack. They primarily hunt small to medium-sized mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Hunting Techniques
Crowned eagles use a variety of hunting techniques, including still-hunting, where they wait patiently on a perch for prey to come within range, and stooping, where they drop or stoop onto prey from a branch.
Comparison to Other Eagle Vocalizations
While the sound often associated with eagles is actually the cry of a red-tailed hawk, crowned eagles have a distinct vocalization that sets them apart from other eagle species.
Red-Tailed Hawk Vocalizations
The cry often associated with eagles is actually the call of the red-tailed hawk, which is a high-pitched scream or screech.
Bald Eagle Vocalizations
Bald eagles, on the other hand, have a more varied vocalization that includes a series of harsh, raspy calls and whistles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, crowned eagles are known for their distinct vocalizations, which are a series of loud whistles that rise and fall in pitch. These vocalizations are used in both territorial and breeding displays, and are a key characteristic of this species. Crowned eagles are also known for their passive hunting behavior, where they primarily hunt small to medium-sized prey on the forest floor.
References:
– What Does the Eagle Say?
– How Would You Spell an Eagle Screech?
– Birds of Historic Banning Mills
– Crowned Eagle
– The Sound Often Associated with Eagles is Actually the Cry of a Red-Tailed Hawk
