Telling a golden eagle apart from a hawk can be tricky for beginner bird watchers. However, with some key identification tips, you’ll be able to confidently differentiate these two bird of prey species.
Size Difference
The most noticeable difference between golden eagles and hawks is their size. Golden eagles are much larger birds, with wingspans reaching over 7 feet across. Hawks are small to medium sized raptors, with wingspans between 1-4 feet. If you see a massive bird of prey soaring overhead, it’s likely a golden eagle rather than a hawk.
Wing Shape
Golden eagles have long, broad wings that are rounded at the ends. Their wings are ideal for soaring at high altitudes. Hawks have shorter, more rectangular shaped wings. Red-tailed hawks and other common hawk species flap more frequently when flying instead of soaring.
Tail Features
The tails of golden eagles and hawks offer clear clues about their identity. Golden eagles have a larger tail that is darker on top and light underneath. Their tail is fanned at the base. Hawks have a medium-sized tail that is banded. For example, red-tailed hawks have a reddish tail with a dark band at the end.
Beak Shape
Golden eagles have a large, hooked beak that is designed for ripping into prey. Their beak is quite heavy and lethal. Hawks have more delicate, curved beaks adapted for smaller prey. Accipiters like sharp-shinned hawks have shorter hooked beaks used for bird hunting.
Plumage
Adult golden eagles are mostly brown except for a golden wash over the back of their head and neck. Their wings and tail are darker brown. Hawks exhibit more variety in coloration. For example, red-tailed hawks are brown above and pale below with the namesake red tail.
Hunting Habits
Golden eagles are powerful hunters that can take down mammals as large as deer. They also eat rabbits, birds, reptiles and carrion. Hawks mainly capture small mammals like rodents, reptiles, amphibians and insects. Larger hawks may also hunt small rabbits, snakes and lizards.
Habitat
Golden eagles occupy open habitats like grasslands, prairies, sagebrush steppe and tundra. They avoid forested areas. Hawks can thrive in both open and wooded regions from coast to coast. Some common hawk species even flourish around human development.
Nesting
Golden eagles build massive nests high up on cliffs or in trees. Their nests can be up to 10 feet across and three feet deep. Hawks usually nest lower down in trees, on ledges or on man-made structures. Hawk nests are a fraction of the size of eagle nests.
Range
Golden eagles live across western North America as well as Canada, Mexico and South America. Some hawk species have similarly large ranges while others are regional. For example, red-tailed hawks live across North America while Harris’s hawks only occur in the southwestern United States.
Vocalizations
Golden eagles make high-pitched squeals and yelping cries. Hawks make a wider variety of calls like screeches, squeals and whistles. However, there is some overlap in voices so this isn’t the most reliable identification method.
In Flight Profile
Eagles hold their wings flat or in a slight dihedral when gliding. Hawks flap more and soar less, often holding their wings in a V-shape or slanted back when gliding.
Conclusion
By getting a clear view of size, wings, tail, beak, plumage, hunting habits, habitat and nesting, you can confidently distinguish a golden eagle from a hawk. With practice, identification will become even easier. Soon you’ll be able to differentiate dozens of eagle and hawk species across North America and beyond.
Quick Identification Tips
Golden Eagle | Hawk |
---|---|
– Very large with 7 foot wingspan | – Small to medium with 1-4 foot wingspan |
– Broad, rounded wings | – Rectangular, shorter wings |
– Large, fanned tail | – Medium-sized, banded tail |
– Heavy, hooked beak | – More delicate, curved beak |
– Mostly brown with golden wash | – More colorful plumage |
– Nests on cliffs | – Nests in trees |
Appearance Comparison
Feature | Golden Eagle | Hawk |
---|---|---|
Size | Very large with 7 foot wingspan | Small to medium with 1-4 foot wingspan |
Wings | Broad, rounded | Rectangular, shorter |
Tail | Large and fanned | Medium-sized and banded |
Beak | Heavy and hooked | More delicate and curved |
Plumage | Mostly brown with golden wash | More colorful |
Behavioral Differences
Behavior | Golden Eagle | Hawk |
---|---|---|
Flight style | Soars for long periods | More frequent flapping |
Hunting | Takes large mammals and birds | Takes small mammals, reptiles, etc. |
Habitat | Open areas like grasslands | Open and wooded regions |
Nesting | Cliffs and trees | Lower trees, ledges, man-made |
Range Comparison
Species | Range |
---|---|
Golden Eagle | Western North America, Canada, Mexico, South America |
Red-tailed Hawk | Across North America |
Harris’s Hawk | Southwestern United States |
Vocalizations
Golden eagles and hawks both make a range of vocalizations. However, eagle calls tend to be higher-pitched squeals and yelping cries. Hawk vocalizations include screeches, squeals, and whistles with some overlap in sound with eagles.
Spotting Tips
The best way to observe the key identification features of golden eagles and hawks is by using binoculars or a spotting scope from a safe distance. Good vantage points include hilltops with open views or overlooks. Try watching for birds of prey soaring over open habitats. With practice, you’ll be able to quickly spot key field marks like wingspan, tail shape, and beak shape to tell eagles and hawks apart.
Common Hawk Species
There are many hawk species across North America. Here are some of the most widespread and common:
Red-tailed Hawk
The red-tailed hawk is one of the most common and widespread raptors. Look for broad, rounded wings and a reddish tail.
Sharp-shinned Hawk
A small hawk of woodlands adapted for hunting other birds. Look for a squared off tail and slender body.
Cooper’s Hawk
Larger than the sharp-shinned but similar in shape. Regular in backyards and urban areas across North America.
Harris’s Hawk
A desert and scrubland hawk with bold black and white markings. Limited to the southwest United States.
Red-shouldered Hawk
A common woodland hawk of eastern North America. Look for translucent crescents near the wingtips.
Advanced Identification Tips
Going beyond basics like size and color, more advanced ID tips involve subtly different proportions, flight styles, and geographic distribution. For example, limb proportions like wing length versus tail length can help differentiate difficult species like ferruginous hawks from rough-legged hawks. Compiling notes on behavior, flight style, vocalizations and habitat use will also aid identification.
Consulting range maps is also important for hawk ID. For instance, gray hawks only occur in the Southwest and South Florida. Seeing one elsewhere would be extremely rare. Therefore, location and range can immediately rule out or confirm some species.
Improving Your Raptor ID Skills
Here are some tips for taking your hawk and eagle identification skills to the next level:
- Study photos and illustrations in field guides of different raptor species
- Learn the key field marks that distinguish each species
- Practice raptor watching regularly to become familiar with sight and behaviors
- Use hawk vocalizations audio to memorize each species’ distinct calls
- Test yourself by IDing hawks at varying distances and angles
- Attend guided raptor watches to learn from experienced birders
- Volunteer at raptor migration monitoring sites
- Tag along on hawk and eagle surveys
- Subscribe to online raptor ID discussion groups
Golden Eagle Conservation Status
Golden eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act in the United States. However, habitat loss, electrocution, collisions and illegal shooting still threaten populations. Golden eagles are considered a species of Least Concern globally but they face localized declines across their range.
Threats
- Habitat degradation
- Human disturbance of nest sites
- Collisions with vehicles and infrastructure
- Electrocution on power lines
- Lead poisoning from ingesting bullet fragments
- Reduced prey availability
Conservation Solutions
- Protect and properly manage habitats
- Maintain suitable nesting sites
- Retrofit dangerous power lines
- Reduce lead ammunition
- Monitor populations
- Educate public on reducing disturbances
With appropriate conservation action, golden eagle populations can remain resilient across their range into the future.
The Importance of Raptor Identification
Properly identifying eagles, hawks and other raptors is important for both birders and conservationists. By learning ID techniques, birders can up their listing life lists and take enjoyment in separating difficult species. For researchers, precise ID skills are critical for population monitoring and understanding ranges. They allow appropriate conservation action to be undertaken for species of concern while minimizing unnecessary intervention for secure species. Accurate raptor identification also contributes records to databases used by scientists and land managers.
Final Thoughts
Telling apart a soaring golden eagle from a hawk takes some practice. But by carefully studying size, shape, markings, behavior and habitat, identification will become second nature over time. Hawks and eagles warrant special attention – not just because they are fascinating birds of prey, but also because many face serious conservation threats. The more that bird lovers and researchers are able to identify these raptors in the field, the better protected they will remain for generations to come.