Broad-winged Hawk “Whistling”

Ronald Zigler

Broad-winged Hawks give a plaintive, high-pitched whistle that lasts 2–4 seconds, with a short first note and a long second note: kee-eee. The male’s call is an octave higher in pitch than the female’s. Before moving to Massachusetts in 2020, I had never heard this unusual call that comes from this raptor. Now that they are the raptors I encounter most often, I have begun to recognize the call.

Broad-winged Hawk Hunting

Early morning catch.