What is the Difference Between Hawk and Falcon?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Hawks and falcons are both birds of prey, but they have several differences in their appearance, flight patterns, and hunting habits. Here are some key distinctions between the two:
- Taxonomy: Falcons typically fall into the genus Falco, while hawks fall into multiple genera.
- Size: Falcons are generally smaller than hawks, measuring 8 to 26 inches, while hawks measure 18 to 30 inches.
- Head shape: Falcons have short, rounded heads, while hawks have pointier heads.
- Beak: Falcons have a notch or "tooth" at the tip of their beaks, which they use to kill their prey. Hawks do not have this notch and use their talons to kill their prey instead.
- Wings: Hawks have short, wide, rounded wings, while falcons have long, slender, pointed wings.
- Flight speed: Falcons are generally faster in flight than hawks. For example, a peregrine falcon can reach speeds of 200 mph, while a red-tailed hawk dives at a speed of at least 120 miles per hour.
- Hunting habits: Falcons typically hunt other birds and bats, while hawks hunt rabbits, rats, and small mammals.
By observing these differences in appearance and behavior, you can distinguish between hawks and falcons in the wild.
Comparative Table: Hawk vs Falcon
Here is a table comparing the differences between hawks and falcons:
| Feature | Hawk | Falcon |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Generally larger, sometimes by more than 10 inches from bill to tail | Smaller in size compared to hawks |
| Wings | Wider and more rounded at the tips | Long, pointed wings |
| Tail | Long, narrow tail | Longish, tapered tail |
| Beak | Curved beak, less sharp than a falcon's | Sharp, notched beak |
| Flight Behavior | Quicker wing beats and more varied patterns | Faster flight and quicker wing beats, capable of reaching speeds up to 200 mph |
| Hunting Style | Often stoops and snatches prey | Catches prey off-guard with dives at breathtaking speeds |
Hawks and falcons are both birds of prey, but they have distinct physical characteristics and hunting styles. Hawks tend to be larger with broader wings and tails, while falcons are smaller and have more pointed wings and tails. They also differ in their flight behaviors and hunting techniques, with hawks often stooping and snatching prey, while falcons dive at high speeds to catch their targets off-guard.