Bald Eagle Sounds

Sound: Chirping whistle
Habitat: Lakes, rivers & coasts
Diet: Carnivore (mainly fish)
Region: North America
Lifespan: 20–30 years
Size: Large raptor (3–6.3 kg)

What sound does a bald eagle make?

Here's a movie secret: the mighty scream you hear when a bald eagle appears on screen is almost always a red-tailed hawk! Real bald eagles make a surprisingly high, thin sound — a stuttering series of chirps and whistles, 'kleek-kik-ik-ik-ik'.

Eagles call to their mates, chatter at intruders near the nest, and young eagles beg loudly with wailing cries. Hollywood decided the hawk's dramatic scream fit the eagle's image better — but the eagle's real giggling whistle is charming in its own way.

About the Bald Eagle

The bald eagle is a large bird of prey native to North America and is the national bird and symbol of the United States. Despite their name, bald eagles aren't actually bald; they have white feathers covering their heads, contrasting with their dark brown bodies and wings. These powerful birds have a wingspan of up to 7.5 feet and are known for their excellent eyesight, which is estimated to be four to eight times sharper than that of humans. Bald eagles primarily feed on fish but are opportunistic and will also eat small mammals and other birds. They build some of the largest nests of any bird, which can weigh up to a ton. Once endangered due to hunting and pesticide use, bald eagle populations have recovered significantly thanks to conservation efforts, making them a notable conservation success story.