Telling the difference between a hawk and a falcon can be tricky for beginner birders. Both hawks and falcons belong to the falconiformes order, meaning they share some similar physical traits like hooked beaks and sharp talons used for hunting. However, there are some key differences between hawks and falcons that can help you distinguish between the two groups of birds.
Size Differences
One of the most noticeable differences between hawks and falcons is their size. Falcons are small to medium-sized birds, generally measuring 11-25 inches in length with wingspans between 20-48 inches. Some of the most common falcon species include the American kestrel, merlin, peregrine falcon, and gyrfalcon. Hawks are medium to large-sized birds, usually measuring 18-25 inches in length with wingspans between 40-60 inches. Some common hawk species are the red-tailed hawk, northern goshawk, red-shouldered hawk, and broad-winged hawk.
So if you see a large, bulky bird of prey soaring in the sky, it is likely a hawk. Smaller, sleeker falcons have more tapered wings for speed and agility when stooping down on prey. The large size of hawks also means they hunt larger prey like rabbits, squirrels and small birds. The petite falcons specialize in hunting smaller birds, insects, reptiles and rodents.
Beak and Head Shape
The beak shape of hawks and falcons has adapted to their preferred hunting methods and prey. Hawks have thicker, heavier beaks used for tearing into prey on the wing or on the ground. Falcons have thin pointed beaks ideal for biting into and killing prey in mid-air. The head shape also differs between the groups. Hawks generally have rounded or flat heads, while falcon heads appear more streamlined and triangular.
Here is a visual comparison of the differences in head and beak shape:
Bird of Prey | Head Shape | Beak Shape |
---|---|---|
Hawk | Rounded, flat | Thick, heavy |
Falcon | Triangular, streamlined | Slim, pointed |
Hunting Behavior
Hawks and falcons employ different hunting strategies based on their builds and preferences for prey. Hawks soar high in the skies using their keen eyesight to spot prey down below. Once targeted, they will swoop or glide down to attack unsuspecting prey on the ground. Some species like the red-tailed hawk will even hover in place before diving for the kill. Hawks use their powerful legs and large talons to clench down and carry prey away.
In contrast, falcons are speedy predators that chase prey while flying. A falcon spots potential prey while flying high, then enters a steep, swift dive called a stoop. At the last moment, the falcon extends its talons forward to strike and kill the prey in mid-air. Some species can reach speeds over 200 mph in these hunting stoops! The sleek, pointed wings of falcons allow for their acrobatic moves.
Plumage
The plumage or feather patterns between hawks and falcons can show some variation. Both types of raptors exhibit a range of color morphs from dark brown and black to light tan and white. However, falcons tend to have more distinct facial markings like the dark “mustache” pattern on peregrine falcons. Hawks have fewer distinct facial markings and show color variation on the chest instead.
When it comes to wings, falcon wings appear longer and more tapered. Hawk wings are broad, especially at the base where they attach to the body. In flight, hawks have a distinctive dihedral or V-shaped wings. Falcon wings show a smooth curve silhouette.
Bird of Prey | Plumage | Wing Shape |
---|---|---|
Hawk | Varied chest markings | Broad, V-shaped |
Falcon | Distinct facial patterns | Long, tapered |
Habitat and Range
The habitats and ranges of hawks and falcons provide more clues for telling them apart. Hawks thrive in a variety of environments including forests, deserts, wetlands, plains and tropical rainforests. They are found on every continent except Antarctica. Falcons inhabit mainly open country habitats like grasslands, plains, deserts and tundra in the northern hemisphere. Only one species, the Aplomado Falcon, lives in tropical areas.
In North America, over 20 species of hawks appear year-round or seasonally across the continent. Falcons in North America number around 8 species and tend to live in central and western regions like prairies and mountains. So a woodland hawk versus open country falcon provides a good starting point for identification.
Vocalizations
The sounds hawks and falcons make are quite distinct from each other. Hawks produce high-pitched shrieks and screams that carry over long distances. These loud calls are used to communicate with other hawks and signal warnings or declarations of their territory. Falcons make much softer, chattering vocalizations and lack the piercing quality of hawk calls. Falcon sounds include “kak-kak-kak” and “kee-kee-kee” chatter when interacting at the nest.
Here is an audio comparison of hawk screams versus falcon chatter:
Hawk Scream
Falcon Chatter
Nesting Sites
Hawks and falcons have preferences when it comes to choosing nest sites. Hawks build large stick nests called eyries, favoring tall isolated trees or sheltered cliffs. The nests can measure up to 5 feet across and 3 feet tall, a substantial construction to hold incubating hawk pairs. Falcons do not build their own nests. They nest on sheltered cliff ledges, in tree hollows, and in abandoned nests of other birds like ravens or hawks.
Watching a raptor pair building a nest or feeding chicks can provide helpful clues. The large stick nests indicate resident hawks. Smaller nest scrapes or adopted cavities point to nesting falcons in the area.
Conclusion
With close observation of size, shape, flight style, sounds, habitat, and nest sites, one can learn to reliably distinguish between hawks and falcons. Both raptor groups play critical ecological roles as apex predators and indicators of healthy ecosystems. Understanding how to identify and appreciate the differences between hawks and falcons will make any bird watching excursion more informative and enjoyable.