Birds of prey with white tails can be tricky to identify, even for experienced birders. Two types in particular, hawks and falcons, overlap in plumage and behavior. Closely examining key identification points is required to tell a light-tailed hawk from a falcon.
What are the main differences between hawks and falcons?
Hawks and falcons are both raptors belonging to the order Falconiformes. However, there are some key differences between the two groups:
Size and Build
Hawks are medium to large-sized raptors with broad wings and relatively short, rounded tails. Their bodies are muscular with a deep, broad chest. Falcons tend to be smaller and slimmer with long, pointed wings and long tails. Their sleek build is adapted for fast flight.
Hunting Strategy
Hawks primarily hunt small mammals, reptiles and amphibians, and other birds by spotting prey from a perch or while soaring before swooping down to grab it. Falcons are aerial hunters that pursue birds and flying insects in fast direct chases.
Beaks and Talons
Hawks have thicker, hooked beaks suited for tearing flesh and strong talons designed to squeeze and kill prey. Falcon beaks are notched for biting through the spine of birds and talons are relatively longer and sharply pointed for piercing vital organs.
Plumage Patterns
Falcons tend to have more sharply defined facial patterns such as dark “mustache” stripes. The plumage on a hawk’s underside is often streaked rather than solid or barred as seen on many falcons. Juveniles of the two groups also differ – young falcons resemble adults while young hawks have distinct plumage.
What North American hawks and falcons have white tails?
There are a few species of hawks and falcons native to North America that may show white in the tail at some stage of life:
Hawks
- Red-tailed Hawk – Adults have rusty red tails with a white base. Some color variants have nearly all-white tails.
- Rough-legged Hawk – Light color morph adults have white tails with dark bands at the tip.
- Ferruginous Hawk – Tail has white base and tip with a rusty brown band in between.
- Swainson’s Hawk – Juveniles have pale tails with indistinct darker banding.
Falcons
- Gyrfalcon – White color morph has entirely white plumage including the tail.
- Peregrine Falcon – Some juveniles have buffy white undertail coverts before molting to adult plumage.
Of these, the Red-tailed Hawk and light Gyrfalcons are most likely to display all-white tails in the field.
What are key identification points for hawks versus falcons in flight?
When seen flying overhead, it can be tricky differentiating a light-tailed hawk from a falcon. Here are some key points to look for:
Silhouette and Flying Style
Hawks have broad wings and a fan-shaped tail. They fly with deep, rowing wingbeats interspersed with glides. Falcons have long, pointed wings and longer tails. Their flight consists of rapid whirring wingbeats and direct pursuit of prey.
Head and Body Proportions
A falcon’s tapered shape causes the head to project farther out from the body than on a heavier-bodied hawk. Focus on how the head compares to the breadth of the wings.
Underside Markings
Falcons lack the dark wrist patches seen on the underside of a hawk’s wing when viewed from below. Also check for barring on the underside – streaking indicates a hawk while falcons show lighter patterning.
Pattern of White on Tail
On hawks, the white tail base contrasts with a darker tail tip. Falcon tails appear more evenly colored. Watch for rapid movement of the long tail in flight as a clue it may be a falcon.
What are the best ways to distinguish a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk from a Peregrine Falcon?
Young Red-tailed Hawks and Peregrine Falcons can appear similar when sighted overhead, but a few key differences stand out:
Plumage Pattern
The juvenile Red-tailed Hawk’s underside will be heavily streaked from throat to belly, whereas the young Peregrine Falcon shows dark blotches and bars on a pale ground color. The hawk’s chest lacks the dark “vest” frequently seen on the falcon.
Tail Shape and Markings
A Red-tailed Hawk’s tail appears broad with a pale base and wide dark subterminal band. A Peregrine’s tail is longer and slimmer with thin dark barring. In good light, these markings are visible even at a distance.
Head and Wings
The hawk’s head appears large and blocky compared to the falcon’s more streamlined profile. Its broad, rounded wings lack the pointed shape characteristic of the Peregrine. Watch for the falcon’s tapered “fighter jet” silhouette.
Flight Habits
The Red-tailed Hawk typically flies with slow, methodical wingbeats compared to the Peregrine’s fast, powerful flight. Direct pursuit of aerial prey is more typical of a falcon than a hawk as well.
Conclusion
Distinguishing hawks from falcons requires paying close attention to subtle differences in proportions, plumage patterns, and flight style. When identifying a raptor with a white tail, consider key points like tail banding, wing shape, and head silhouette. Contrasting juvenile plumage and flight habits provides additional clues to separating young Red-tailed Hawks from Peregrine Falcons. With practice observing diagnostic field marks, even challenging hawk-or-falcon ID questions can be solved.