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Question
There are an awful lot of hawks in our area. I've noticed that during summers around July and August, they do an awful lot of screeching. Why do they do this? I would think that if they are looking for food, they would be quiet to seek seek out their prey. Doesn't their prey, hear their screeching and want to hide more?
Thank you.
Hawks screech for the same reason other birds sing - to communicate. They may be setting up territories, looking for a mate, defending their territory, etc. I doubt that the mice and rats and snakes and whatever they prey on pay much attention to the screeching. Especially if it goes on a lot.
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Answers by Expert:
Roger Lederer
Expertise
Any and all about WILD birds - the science of ornithology. Information about birdwatching, ecology, conservation, migration, behavior, banding, rehabilitation, feeding, songs, binoculars, identification, and careers in ornithology. No questions about pet or caged birds, please.
Experience
Have a PhD and over forty years as a professional ornithologist - research, teaching, author, speaker, webmaster of Ornithology.com . Have written thirty scientific papers, three bird field guides, a textbook in ecology and two recent books entitled "Amazing Birds" and "Birds of New England". Have traveled to over 90 countries watching birds.
Education/Credentials
PhD in Zoology/Ornithology; Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences; former Dean of the College of Natural Sciences at California State University, Chico
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