Birds of prey like hawks and falcons are some of nature’s coolest hunters, known for their awesome hunting skills and sharp eyesight. But when you see one soaring in the sky, it can be tough to tell these two fierce flyers apart. With slight differences in wing shapes, hunting styles, and habitats, both hawks and falcons have unique traits that make each one special. Hawk vs. Falcon: Telling Apart These Birds of Prey
Key Differences Between Hawks and Falcons
- Wing Shape: Hawks have rounded wings and broad tails, while falcons sport long, pointed wings and narrow tails.
- Flight and Hunting Styles: Hawks usually glide or hover, while falcons go for rapid wing beats and high-speed dives.
- Beak Structure: Falcons have a unique “tooth” on their beak for severing prey’s neck, a feature hawks don’t have.
Let’s dive into these differences and see what makes hawks and falcons so unique.
What Is a Hawk?
Hawks are birds of prey from the Accipitridae family, which also includes eagles, harriers, and kites. Most hawks fall under the genera Accipiter or Buteo, but some buzzards, harriers, and kites are also called hawks, which can get a bit confusing. Hawks are adaptable hunters found almost everywhere, thriving in open landscapes with tall trees or cliffs for hunting.
Types of Hawks
There are two main types: Bird Hawks and Buzzard Hawks.
- Bird Hawks: Known as “true” hawks, these belong to the genus Accipiter, including the Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperii) and sharp-shinned hawks (Accipiter striatus). They mainly hunt birds and small mammals, easily recognized by their rounded wings and long tails. The northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) is one of the largest, while the sparrowhawk (Accipiter minullus) is among the smallest.
- Buzzard Hawks: Also called buteos, these are large birds with broad wings and shorter tails, often seen soaring. The red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is a well-known buzzard hawk in North America. Other examples include the ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis) and the red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus).
How Do Hawks Hunt?
Hawks use their amazing eyesight to spot prey from afar. Red-tailed hawks, for example, use hover-hunting, flapping in place over possible prey before swooping down with sharp talons. They also practice perch hunting, watching from high perches like trees or telephone poles before diving down for their meal.
Hawk Habitat
Hawks can be found on every continent except Antarctica. They like open environments with high vantage points such as cliffs or tall trees, giving them a clear view of their hunting grounds.
What Is a Falcon?
Falcons belong to the Falconidae family, with about 60 species, including the well-known peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), the fastest animal on Earth. Falcons are known for their slender bodies, pointed wings, and incredible speed, traits that set them apart from hawks.
Types of Falcons
The genus Falco represents “true” falcons, though there are other genera in the Falconidae family.
- True Falcons: This includes around 35 species, such as the peregrine falcon, prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus), merlin (Falco columbarius), and the American kestrel (Falco sparverius). A fun fact: female falcons in this genus are usually larger than males, helping them in hunting.
- Other Falcons: While Falco is the largest genus, the family also includes Microhierax (falconets) and Polihierax (pygmy falcons), both smaller birds with similar traits.
How Do Falcons Hunt?
Falcons combine sharp eyesight with incredible speed. Unlike hawks, falcons are known for their intense flight style, with rapid wing beats and powerful dives. The peregrine falcon, for instance, catches prey mid-air with high-speed pursuits and impressive aerial maneuvers. Falcons have a special tooth on their beak to sever their prey’s neck, making their beaks uniquely efficient for hunting.
Falcon Habitat
Falcons can live in a variety of habitats, from tundras to deserts and forests. They’re often found near coastlines, where shorebirds are plentiful. Like hawks, falcons are on all continents except Antarctica. Some species migrate long distances, while others stick to one location year-round.
How to Tell Hawks and Falcons Apart
The National Audubon Society has some helpful tips for spotting these impressive birds:
- Wing Shape and Size
- Bird hawks (Accipiter) are usually smaller with narrow tails, while buzzard hawks (Buteo) have broad wings and shorter tails. Falcons (Falco) sport pointed wings and slim bodies, giving them a more streamlined look.
- Color and Markings
- Each species has its own unique markings. A red-tailed hawk, for example, stands out with its distinctive red tail.
- Flight Pattern
- Falcons flap their wings rapidly and dive at high speeds. Hawks prefer to glide or hover, and buzzard hawks soar smoothly on thermal currents, using their broad wings to stay up without much flapping.
- Beak Structure
- Falcons have a sharp notch on their beak to quickly take down prey, while hawks rely more on their talons since they lack this feature.
Conclusion
To get better at spotting hawks and falcons, focus on the specific species in your area. Pay attention to differences in wing shape, size, hunting style, and flight patterns. Hawks glide gracefully with broad, rounded wings, while falcons slice through the air with their pointed wings and incredible speed.
Both hawks and falcons are amazing birds of prey, each with their own unique traits. Learning these differences not only makes birdwatching more fun but also helps you appreciate these magnificent creatures and their roles in ecosystems around the world.
