Falcon vs. Eagle

Main Difference

The main difference between the falcon and the eagle is that the falcon belongs to the Falconidae family, whereas eagles belong to the Accipitridae family.

Difference Between Falcon and Eagle

Comparison Chart

Falcon vs. Eagle

Falcon is a raptor that belongs to the Falconidae family. Eagle is also a raptor that belongs to the Accipitridae family. But both falcons and the Eagles belong to the same order the Falconiformes Order. Falcons hunt in a different way than the eagles. They dive and hit the prey, suddenly giving the prey a surprise. Eagles are more vigorous than falcons. They catch their prey by grabbing and then crushing it with their talons. The talons of eagles are more strong than the Falcons. It is also said that a Steppe Eagle can crush the skull of a wolf skull with its talons. Falcons have tomial tooth whereas eagles do not have this tooth. Eagles and Falcons also differ in their appearance, including the body structure and colors. Falcons have a slim body and are comparatively less strong. Eagles have a broad-chested body, and they are built heavy and strong. Falcons have long and pointed wings, and the Eagles have broad and rounded wings. Eagles have different eye colors. The Falcons have black or very dark brown eyes. Falcons are not aggressive; they rather have a pleasant character. Eagles are very aggressive and unpleasant. Another feature which is seen in eagles and not the Falcons is the prominent eyebrow-like ridge above the eyes. There are more than 30 falcon species that are spread in North America, Europe, and Asia. There are about more than 60 eagle species that are largely found in Africa, the United States, Central/South America, Eurasia Canada, and Australia.

What is Falcon?

Falcon is raptor with long pointed wings and an intended beak. It is a bird of prey and is small with a strong angular beak. The angular bend on its beak allows it to break its prey’s neck easily. It also has a notch on its beak. The scientific name of the falcon is ‘Falco,’ and its category is Genus. The body of the falcon is made of a strong framework of bones. These bones are hollow and filled with air. Falcon has tapered, narrow wings that, combined with their diminutive size, grant them immense speed and agility. Falcon has a boat like shape and hence can float in the air easily. The peregrine falcon is known as one of the fastest birds in the world. It can fly up to 200 mph (320km/h) in a dive. Some species of falcon weigh less than 50 grams. The muscles of falcons are so small. These muscles are often named as flight muscles. Falcons have shallow, elastic wing beats. They are slender, pointy-winged speedsters with steadier wing flaps. The American kestrel, which is a small species of falcon, has a wingspan of fewer than 2 feet. There are more than 30 falcon species that are spread in North America, Europe, and Asia. One thing is mentioned that many species of falcons are endangered.

Features

• belongs to the Falconidae family
• less vigorous, aggressive
• have tomial tooth
• long and angular beak
• notch on beak
• slim body
• long and pointed wings
• black or very dark brown eyes

What is Eagle?

Eagles are raptors which are well known for their larger size, powerful build, and a heavier head and bill. Eagle is considered to be larger than any other birds of prey, except vultures. Eagles have a strong and sharp beak that is hooked too. It is classified as a preying bird. Some species of eagles have the weight up to 18 lbs so that they can prey on larger animals too. Eagles are classified into two categories: sea eagles and land eagle. Sea eagle tends to prefer coastal habitats and prey on fish and other marine life. The wingspans of some North American eagles, such as the bald eagle and the golden eagle, can reach 7 feet. This characteristic makes them preferred birds for the sport of the falconry. They have powerful wing and heavy beaks. There are about more than 70 eagle species that are largely found in Africa, the United States, Central/South America, Eurasia Canada, and Australia. Eagles also possess the ability to soar on thermals for great lengths of time, and their sharp eyesight is paired with this skill to make them keen hunters. They attack and eat small animals with their strong and sharp claws to hold the prey and then use their beaks to tear flesh. Eagles fly at great heights.

Features

• belongs to Accipitridae family
• vigorous and aggressive
• have strong talons
• do not have a tumoil tooth
• broad-chested body
• heavy and strong
• broad and rounded wings
• different eye colors
• very aggressive and unpleasant
• the prominent eyebrow-like ridge above the eyes
• sharp eyesight

Conclusion

Falcons and eagles both are the birds of prey that belongs to the Falconidae family. But both of them are different in their structure and characteristics.