A hawk and a falcon can be similar in appearance but here are top differences between a hawk and a falcon that strikes the cord between them.
A hawk is generally smaller in size and weight than a falcon and has a few distinctive characteristics which will be discussed in this article.
Hawk and Falcon
Hawks and falcons are actually completely different from each other; from the way, they hunt their prey to how they flap their wings. Due to the predatory nature of these birds, they have hooked beaks to enable them to eat meat.
The falcon belongs to the Genus Falco species that are characterized by their long wings and powerful beaks that are custom made for these birds of prey as their bodies are made for strong clawing and tearing the flesh of captured animals.
A hawk, on the other hand, belongs to the subfamily Accipitrinae which also consists of other subspecies such as Accipiter, Micronisus, Melierax, and Megatriorchis.
Hawk
Biologically, hawks are classified under Family Accipitridae. These birds are diurnal and carnivorous. They have long talons and short, broad wings which allow them to glide through shrubs and trees. They also have multiple photoreceptors in their eyes, which gives them very sharp vision.
These birds flap their wings quickly to enable their speed. Once they gain momentum, they drift smoothly through the air. Bird enthusiasts call this pattern the “flap-flap-glide” pattern.
Hawks usually look for food just before the sunsets. They typically eat small birds, but may also eat small ground-dwelling creatures like grasshoppers, crickets, squirrels, fish, snakes, and rats. They kill their prey using their powerful talons before eating them.
Falcon
A falcon can be defined as any species of raptor in the Genus Falco which consists of 37 species who are widely seen in areas such as Europe, Asia, and North America. A male falcon is generally known as a ‘tercel’ and is 33% smaller than a female.
Falcons are very fast in flight especially the peregrine falcon whereas hawks are much slower in flight and would basically just glide on a descent. Falcons are smaller birds than hawks which are generally large but with shorter wings compared to falcons.
These birds are usually captured and trained by experts in a process known as falconry. Weirdly as it may sound, falcons thrive in open spaces. They do not build their own nests, but they dwell in cavities on cliffs.
Notable Distinctions Between a Hawk and a Falcon
1. Hawks are generally larger birds than falcons.
2. Hawks are more medium-sized, built similarly to an eagle but a bit more compact. As they mainly live in forested areas, they have a longer tail for tight maneuvering.
3. Hawks are mainly prescribed to be woodland birds that hunt by sudden dashes from concealed perch.
4. Generally, hawks are described as the most intelligent bird because they have long tails and high visual acuity.
5. Falcons have a notch on their beaks while hawks have a simple curve on the beak.
6. Falcons belong to the Genus Falco species whereas a hawk belongs to the subfamily Accipitrinae species.
7. In hawks, their flight is an accipiter like the pattern of intermittent flaps and glides.
8. Falcons have a compact body, a small but sharp beak, and wings that taper to a fine point.
9. Falcons catch smaller birds in the air with swift, spectacular dives, called stoops.
10. Usually, falcons are kept and trained to hunt small games for sport. They’re known for their maneuverability.
READ ALSO:
How Do I Apply for the Dangote Foundation Scholarship in 2024/2025
What is the Easiest Type of Scholarship to Get in 2024/2025?
All About the TET Fund PhD Scholarship in 2024/2025 | PhD Scholarships
Leave a Reply