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Hawk vs. Falcon: What's the Difference?

Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Harlon Moss || Updated on October 16, 2023
Hawks are broad-winged raptors known for soaring, while falcons have pointed wings and excel in high-speed pursuits.

Key Differences

Hawks and falcons are both birds of prey, but they belong to different families and exhibit distinct behaviors and physical characteristics. Hawks, which are part of the Accipitridae family, tend to have broad wings and short tails. Their flight pattern is usually characterized by soaring in wide circles.
Falcons, on the other hand, belong to the Falconidae family. They have slender, pointed wings and a long tail, making them agile fliers. Falcons are notably known for their speed, with the peregrine falcon recognized as one of the fastest birds in the world when diving to catch prey.
In terms of hunting tactics, hawks generally use stealth and surprise. They often perch in concealed locations, waiting to ambush their prey. Falcons, however, are more about the chase. Their high-speed pursuits are a sight to behold, with some species targeting birds in mid-air.
Physiologically, there's a notable difference in their beaks. Hawks have a simple curve to their beak, while falcons possess a "tooth" on the beak known as a tomial tooth. This feature helps falcons to sever the spinal cords of their prey.
Lastly, both hawks and falcons can be found all over the world, but their habitats can differ. While hawks can be seen in a variety of environments, including forests, meadows, and urban areas, falcons prefer more open spaces, allowing them to utilize their speed to the fullest.
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Comparison Chart

Wing Shape

Broad wings
Pointed, slender wings

Tail Length

Shorter tail
Longer tail

Hunting Strategy

Stealth and ambush
High-speed chase

Beak Feature

Simple curved beak
Beak with a tomial tooth

Preferred Habitat

Forests, meadows, urban areas
Open spaces
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Hawk and Falcon Definitions

Hawk

Hawk generally hunts by ambush.
The hawk sat silently on a branch, waiting for a mouse to appear.

Falcon

Falcon is a bird known for its speed and agility.
The falcon dove at an incredible speed, catching the pigeon mid-air.

Hawk

Hawk belongs to the Accipitridae family.
The red-tailed hawk is a common member of this family.

Falcon

Falcon possesses a distinctive tomial tooth on its beak.
The falcon's beak is specially designed to sever its prey's spinal cord.

Hawk

Hawk is a bird of prey with broad wings.
The hawk soared high in the sky, scanning for prey.

Falcon

Falcon typically hunts in high-speed pursuits.
The falcon's streamlined body allows it to maneuver swiftly in the air.

Hawk

Hawk often has a strong, curved beak.
The hawk used its beak to tear into its meal.

Falcon

Falcon thrives in open habitats.
In the open plains, the falcon's speed is unmatched.

Hawk

Hawk can have varying sizes and colors.
The hawk's sharp eyesight allows it to spot prey from great distances.

Falcon

Falcon is a member of the Falconidae family.
The peregrine falcon is a renowned species of this family.

Hawk

Any of various birds of prey, especially of the genera Accipiter and Buteo in the family Accipitridae, characteristically having a short hooked bill and strong claws used for seizing.

Falcon

Any of various birds of prey of the family Falconidae and especially of the genus Falco, having a short, curved beak and long, pointed, powerful wings adapted for swift flight.

Hawk

Any of various similar birds of prey.

Falcon

Any of several birds of these or related species, such as hawks, trained to hunt small game.

FAQs

What do hawks typically eat?

Hawks primarily eat small mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Are hawks found worldwide?

Yes, hawks can be found in various regions around the world.

How do hawks typically capture their prey?

Hawks usually ambush their prey from a concealed perch.

Do falcons mate for life?

Many falcon species form monogamous pairs that mate for life.

Are hawks and falcons the same?

No, hawks and falcons belong to different families and have distinct characteristics.

Are falcons used in falconry?

Yes, falcons are popular birds in the sport of falconry due to their speed and agility.

Why do falcons have a tomial tooth?

The tomial tooth helps falcons to sever the spinal cords of their prey.

How many species of hawks are there?

There are over 200 species of hawks worldwide.

Which bird has broader wings, a hawk or falcon?

Hawks typically have broader wings compared to falcons.

How do falcons typically hunt?

Falcons hunt using high-speed pursuits, often targeting birds in flight.

How can you distinguish between a hawk and falcon in flight?

Falcons have pointed wings and fly faster, while hawks have broader wings and often soar.

Which bird is faster, a hawk or a falcon?

Falcons, especially the peregrine falcon, are known to be faster than hawks.

Is the peregrine falcon the fastest bird?

The peregrine falcon is considered one of the fastest birds, especially during its dive.

What is the main diet of a falcon?

Falcons primarily feed on birds and sometimes small mammals.

Do hawks build nests in trees?

Yes, many hawk species build nests in trees, often high off the ground.

Do falcons have a special feature on their beak?

Yes, falcons have a "tooth" on their beak called a tomial tooth.

Which bird is more likely to be seen in a forest?

Hawks are more commonly found in forests than falcons.

What is the habitat preference of a falcon?

Falcons generally prefer open spaces for hunting.

Can hawks be seen in urban areas?

Yes, some hawk species have adapted to urban environments and can be seen in cities.

Do hawks have good eyesight?

Yes, hawks have exceptional eyesight, allowing them to spot prey from great distances.
About Author
Written by
Harlon Moss
Harlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Aimie Carlson
Aimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.

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