Are you looking for the difference between a falcon and a hawk? If yes, then you are in the right place. Here, we will discuss all the differences between a hawk and a falcon. We will discuss how they look. How to identify which one is a Hawk and which one is a Falcon? So let’s get started:
Lots of people online mix up Falcons and Hawks. The differences between these birds aren’t always clear. So, let’s make them clear.
Difference Between a Hawk and a Falcon
Falcons and hawks are two kinds of birds that hunt other animals. Even though they’re different, many people mix them up. Falcons and hawks look different, hunt differently, and live in different places.
Falcons have sleek bodies, long, pointy wings, and can fly really fast when chasing prey. Hawks have wider wings and use their agility and strength more to catch food. But even though they’re not the same, people often use the words “falcon” and “hawk” like they mean the same thing because both birds are good at hunting in the sky.
So, let’s figure out what makes falcons and hawks different and clear up any confusion you might have about them.
Falcons vs Hawks
Here are the most significant differences between falcons and hawks:
Size:
- You can tell a hawk and a falcon apart by their size.
- Hawks are generally bigger, ranging from 8 to 30 inches long.
- But falcons are smaller, usually measuring between 8 and 25 inches.
Head and beak size:
- The Hawks have pointy heads, but the Falcons have rounder, shorter ones.
- Falcons have shorter, curved beaks, while hawks have longer, pointier ones.
- Falcons have a notch at the end of their beaks that they use to catch prey, but hawks don’t have this.
Wing Span:
- Hawks have wider wings than falcons.
- Hawks‘ wings are big and curved, but falcons‘ wings are skinny and pointed.
Speed:
- When it comes to speed, falcons are seen as the better flyers.
- Falcons can zoom as fast as 200 mph when they fly, while hawks flap their wings slowly and mostly glide in the air.
Killing Method:
- Hawks use their strong claws to catch and control their food.
- But falcons use the special notch, or “tooth,” on their beaks to grab their prey.
Habitat:
- Hawks live in places where they can find food, like deserts and farms. They can live in different areas, from high plains to tropical places.
- Falcons can be found almost everywhere on Earth, from grasslands and deserts to icy polar areas and forests.
Conservation Status:
- The IUCN says there are 51 kinds of hawks. Seven of them are nearly extinct, five are in danger, and two are very close to disappearing.
- Among the 34 kinds of falcons, three are almost in trouble, five are at risk, and two are endangered, meaning they’re on the edge of extinction.
Hawk vs. Falcon: Which is more powerful?
In general, hawks are usually stronger than falcons. Falcons are faster and smaller, but hawks are bigger and more powerful.
Sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falcon
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawk
- https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/difference-between-falcons-and-hawks-1692015883-1
- https://www.treehugger.com/difference-between-hawks-and-falcons-6753915
- https://animals.howstuffworks.com/birds/hawk-vs-falcon.htm
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