Buzz
Bird | Wing Shape | Size | Nesting Habit | Kills Prey by ... |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hawk | Broad, rounded | Bigger, chunky | Builds new nests | Grabbing with talons |
Falcon | Tapered, slim | Smaller, graceful | Takes over old nests | Breaking necks with its beak |
The bold and unmistakable features of a bald eagle and the hunched shape of a vulture are iconic among raptors. These birds of prey are known for their sharp talons, curved beaks, and exceptional vision.
Hawks and falcons belong to the raptor group. Common species include red-tailed hawks, goshawks, and peregrine falcons. However, unless you're an expert in birds, distinguishing them can be a bit tricky.
Identifying the Differences Between Hawks and Falcons
Identifying a bird's features can be challenging, especially when squinting into the sun from a distance. However, the silhouette of a raptor can provide valuable hints.
If you notice finger-like feathers extending from the tips of a bird's wings in flight, it is most likely a hawk. Hawks possess wide, rounded wings with a broad wingspan that ends in those finger-like feathers. Falcons, on the other hand, have sleeker wings that taper to a sharp point at the tip. While hawks tend to soar and glide effortlessly with minimal flapping, falcons are known for their speed, agility, and ability to hover in one place.
An American kestrel features the tapered, streamlined wings typical of falcons. | Hal Beral/Corbis/Getty ImagesIf you're fortunate enough to spot a raptor up close, pay attention to its eye color. Falcons consistently have dark or brown eyes, whereas hawks can have eyes ranging from hazel to bright yellow to a striking red.
Size can also reveal differences: hawks range from medium to large, while falcons are typically smaller. Interestingly, in all raptor species, females are larger than males—a phenomenon called sexual dimorphism.
There’s even a distinction in how hawks and falcons kill their prey. Both use their talons to catch prey, but research shows that falcons prefer to kill with their beaks. Up close, you'll notice falcons have an extra notch in their beaks known as a tomial tooth, which helps them sever their prey's neck.
Hawks, like this red-shouldered hawk carrying a snake, typically kill with their feet. | Michael J. Cohen, Photographer/Moment/Getty ImagesAnother difference lies in nesting habits. Hawks construct their nests from scratch, gathering materials such as sticks and tree bark, then lining them with softer materials to protect their young. Falcons, however, prefer to arrange existing materials at their nest site or even take over an already-built nest from another bird.
Are Hawks and Falcons at Risk of Extinction?
The World Conservation Union has categorized certain hawks as endangered or critically endangered, including Ridgway’s hawk, one of the most endangered raptors globally; Gundlach’s hawk; and the gray-backed hawk. No falcons are classified as endangered, although a few are considered vulnerable.
In the mid-20th century, the use of the pesticide DDT in farming and agriculture led to significant declines in many bird populations, including the bald eagle and peregrine falcon. After DDT was banned in the 1970s, these species made a remarkable recovery, and biologists gained important insights.
Peregrine falcons, once on the brink of extinction, have made a stunning recovery. | Boris Droutman/500px/Getty ImagesToday, raptors are still at risk due to human activities, particularly those leading to the destruction of their natural habitats. Hawks and falcons are present on every continent except Antarctica and inhabit almost every type of terrain, making their conservation a worldwide endeavor.
Even in bustling urban areas, raptors have made a home. Peregrine falcons—the fastest animals on Earth—are particularly well suited to city life. Over the years, they’ve settled on famous structures such as the Empire State Building in New York and the Palace of Westminster in London.
Eagles, Ospreys, and Other Raptors
Raptors are categorized into four primary orders: Accipitriformes (hawks, eagles, vultures, kites, buzzards, and osprey), Falconiformes (falcons, kestrels, merlins, and hobbies), Cathartiformes (vultures), and Strigiformes (owls).
However, these classifications are frequently updated, as are the names used to describe the various birds. The terms hawk and falcon are often used as broad categories for species within Accipitriformes and Falconiformes. For example, fish-hawk is another name for the osprey. Confusingly, duck-hawk is also a term for the peregrine falcon in North America. So, even if you mix up your raptor terminology, you may still be correct.
