Call Identity Practice Flashcards
Listen and learn to identify the calls and sounds these (more vocal) raptor species make.
What raptor can be heard calling in this audio recording?
Audio credit: Bruce Lagerquist, Xeno-Canto.org
American Bald Eagle
A high-pitched twittering or whistling that is often made around their nests.
What raptor can be heard calling in this audio recording?
Audio credit: Peter Ward & Ken Hall, Xeno-Canto.org
Red-tailed Hawk
A raspy scream that is iconically used in movies and TV whenever a large bird of prey is show, particularly Bald Eagle. Of course, this is an inaccurate representation of what Bald Eagle actually sound like!
What raptor can be heard calling in this audio recording?
Audio credit: Lars Edenius, Xeno-Canto.org
Osprey
Sound quite similar to Bald Eagle, with high-pitched whistling and chirping.
What raptor can be heard calling in this audio recording?
Audio credit: Steve Hampton, Xeno-Canto.org
Merlin
Merlin are noisiest around their nests and when their partners arrive back at the nest with food.
What raptor can be heard calling in this audio recording?
Audio credit: Liam Wolff, Xeno-Canto.org
American Kestrel
Series of “clee-clee-clee” notes while flying or perched, usually given when excited or agitated.
What raptor can be heard calling in this audio recording?
Audio credit: Logan McLeod, Xeno-Canto.org
Broad-winged Hawk
A very high, short whistle that can help you find them in their preferred forested environments.
What raptor can be heard calling in this audio recording?
Audio credit: Julia Wittmann, Xeno-Canto.org
Swainson’s Hawk
A long “cree” call that’s somewhat similar to a Red-tailed Hawk’s cry, but is more drawn out, less raspy, and doesn’t sound quite as aggressive.
What raptor can be heard calling in this audio recording?
Audio credit: Valerie Heemstra, Xeno-Canto.org
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-shouldered Hawk are one of the most vocal raptors in the world. Its call is very characteristics of southern forests.
What raptor can be heard calling in this audio recording?
Audio credit: Valerie Heemstra, Xeno-Canto.org
Northern Goshawk
Raptors tend to be the most vocal around their nests during the breeding season but this is particularly true of Northern Goshawk, which fiercely guard their young and will even attack passer-byers if they get close to their nests. In other words, if you hear this call close by, watch your head!
