Buzz
Peregrine falcons are characterized by their slender, pointed wings and a distinct notch on their beak. mallardg500 / Getty ImagesMain Highlights
- Hawks possess rounded wings and wide tails, whereas falcons feature elongated, tapered wings and slender tails.
- Hawks often glide or hover during hunts, while falcons rely on swift, forceful wing movements and high-velocity dives.
- Falcons are equipped with a unique beak notch designed to swiftly dispatch their prey, a trait absent in hawks.
You spot a large bird racing across the sky at incredible speed — but what exactly is it? Your friend claims it's a peregrine falcon, while her partner insists it's a red-tailed hawk. Can you settle the ongoing hawk vs. falcon debate?
Telling these birds of prey apart can be challenging. Both hawks and falcons prefer open hunting areas with elevated perches, and they are both large, swift, and formidable hunters. However, there are some crucial distinctions.
What Is a Hawk?
A hawk belongs to the Accipitridae family of birds of prey, which also includes buzzards, eagles, harriers, and kites. Most hawks fall under the genera Accipiter or Buteo, but some buzzards, harriers, kites — and even certain falcons — are referred to as hawks, adding to the confusion.
Bird Hawks
Bird hawks, often referred to as 'true' hawks, belong to the genus Accipiter, which includes species like Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperii) and sharp-shinned hawks (Accipiter striatus). With around 50 species, these hawks are named for their diet, which primarily consists of other birds and small mammals.
Bird hawks are easily identifiable by their rounded wings and lengthy tails, setting them apart from falcons, which feature more pointed wings.
As the largest members of the Accipitridae family, bird hawks range in size from the northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), with a body length of 2 feet (60 centimeters), to the tiny sparrowhawk (Accipiter minullus), measuring just 7.9 inches (20 centimeters).
Buzzard Hawks
Buzzard hawks, or buteos, are part of the genus Buteo. This group includes the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis), red-shouldered hawks (Buteo lineatus), and the broad-winged hawk (Buteo platypterus).
The red-tailed hawk is often the first image that springs to mind when someone mentions hawks. As the most common hawk species across North America, it is widely recognized.
How Do Hawks Hunt?
Hawks possess remarkable vision, enabling them to detect prey from afar.
According to Scott Barnes, All Things Birds program director and assistant director of eco-travel for New Jersey Audubon, red-tailed hawks often engage in 'hover-hunting,' where they flap in place above potential prey before diving down to seize it with their sharp talons.
Barnes adds, 'Alternatively, they practice 'perch hunting,' which involves sitting on a high vantage point, such as a telephone pole, and scanning the ground for prey. Once spotted, the hawk swoops down to capture its target.'
Where Do Hawks Live?
Hawks inhabit every continent except Antarctica. They thrive in open areas with elevated perches, such as cliff edges or tall trees.
What Is a Falcon?
A falcon is a predatory bird belonging to the Falconidae family. With nearly 60 species, the most renowned is likely the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), recognized as the fastest animal in the world (at least in flight).
Falcons are characterized by their long, pointed wings, which set them apart from hawks. In contrast, hawks have rounded wings.
True Falcons
The term 'true' falcons refers to approximately 35 species within the genus Falco, including the peregrine falcon, prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus), merlin (Falco columbarius), and the American kestrel (Falco sparverius).
In the Falco genus, females are notably larger than males.
Other Falcons
While Falco is the most prominent genus in the Falconidae family, it is not the only one. Other genera include Microhierax (falconets) and Polihierax (pygmy falcon).
Where Do Falcons Live?
Similar to hawks, falcons are highly adaptable and can thrive in nearly any environment. For instance, the peregrine falcon is found on every continent except Antarctica. Some falcon species migrate, while others remain in one location year-round.
"Falcons favor expansive, open areas and are often found near coastlines where shorebirds are abundant. They can inhabit diverse environments, ranging from tundras and deserts to forests," explained Rick Schwartz, San Diego Zoo Global Ambassador, in an interview with Mytour.
How Do Falcons Hunt?
Falcons, like hawks, possess exceptional vision. They are renowned for their aggressive and dynamic flying techniques, which contrast with the more relaxed, gliding, and hovering flight patterns typical of hawks.
"A peregrine falcon typically hunts by catching its prey mid-air through swift pursuits, dramatic dives, and other remarkable aerial feats that have earned these birds widespread admiration," explains Schwartz.
"Peregrine falcons may dismantle their prey and consume it while still in flight, or they might land in a secure location to pluck the feathers before eating," Schwartz adds. "They also possess a sharp notch on their beak, which they use to swiftly sever their prey's neck."
Identifying Hawks vs. Falcons
The National Audubon Society offers the following tips for distinguishing large birds of prey, such as hawks and falcons.
- Start by observing the bird's size and wing shape. Bird hawks (genus Accipiter) are smaller with narrow tails, buzzard hawks (genus Buteo) are larger with broad wings and short tails, and falcons (genus Falco) have compact, slender bodies with pointed wings.
- Next, look for distinctive color patterns. For instance, the red-tailed hawk is easily identified by its namesake red tail.
- Lastly, note the bird's flight behavior. Falcons are known for their rapid wing beats, while bird hawks glide or flap their broad wings more slowly.
To effectively differentiate hawks and falcons from other birds, focus on familiarizing yourself with the specific species of falcons and hawks commonly found in your region.
