Hawk vs Falcon: How to Tell Them Apart

Wing shape is your first and most reliable signal. Hawks have broad wings that are rounded and spread out like a fan when soaring. Falcons have pointed wings that are swept back and appear almost like a sickle or crescent shape when flying. The second tell is flying style. Hawks soar in wide circles, using thermals to gain height and hovering while hunting. Falcons fly fast and direct, chasing prey through the air with quick turns. If you see a bird circling overhead and hovering, it is likely a hawk. If you see a bird racing across the sky in pursuit of another bird, it is probably a falcon. The third tell is the distinctive mustache marks. Many falcons have a dark line running from the eye down the side of the face, like a thin mustache. Hawks do not have this marking. Finally, check the size and build. Many common falcons are compact and sleek. Many common hawks are bulkier with stronger builds. These signals checked in order will identify which raptor you are watching.

Hawks and falcons overlap in size, but their builds differ noticeably. Hawks range from about 11 to 26 inches long depending on species, with females typically larger than males. Hawks tend to have heavier, more strong builds with broader shoulders. Their legs are often fairly long and strong, and their talons are large and powerful. Hawks have relatively large heads compared to falcons. Falcons range from about 10 to 25 inches long, also with size variation by species and sex. Falcons appear sleeker and more streamlined than hawks. They have smaller heads in proportion to body size and pointed wings that create a different silhouette in flight. A falcon flying past looks like a thin, athletic bird cutting through the air. A hawk soaring overhead appears heavier and more substantial. The proportions of head to body, wing shape, and overall silhouette help distinguish the two, especially in flight.

Hawks are found across North America in a wide variety of habitats. Red-tailed hawks, the most common large hawk, live everywhere from northern forests to southern deserts. Other hawk species include the sharp-shinned hawk, cooper's hawk, red-shouldered hawk, and many others. Learn more about hawks in your region by visiting /wildlife/california/hawk or /wildlife/texas/hawk to see which species are found there. Falcons are also found throughout North America, with the peregrine falcon being the most famous. American kestrels are the smallest falcons and are common in open areas. Merlin falcons hunt in grasslands and edges. Both hawks and falcons prefer areas with open spaces for hunting and perching spots for resting. Hawks favor woodlands and mixed forest edges. Falcons favor open country, especially near water or cliffs. You can learn more about both raptors by visiting /wildlife for identification guides and range maps. The best way to see either bird is to scan open skies during the day.

Hawks are ambush predators and sit-and-wait hunters. They perch in trees or on utility poles, scanning the ground for small animals like squirrels, rabbits, snakes, and insects. When prey is spotted, hawks take off with a quick burst of speed and attack from above, using their powerful talons to grab prey. Hawks are relatively quiet birds but can make harsh screams and whistles when threatened or defending territory. Hawks are solitary except during breeding season. Falcons are pursuit hunters that specialize in chasing prey through the air. Many falcons hunt birds in mid-flight, using their incredible speed to overtake prey. The peregrine falcon is the fastest bird in the world, reaching speeds over 200 miles per hour when diving. Falcons often make cackling, kicking calls that sound rapid and harsh. Falcons are also territorial and solitary except during breeding. Both birds are important predators that control rodent and bird populations. Understanding these hunting strategies helps you predict where to find each bird and what they are doing.

If the bird was soaring in circles overhead while hunting, it was probably a hawk. Hawks soar and hover regularly. If the bird was flying fast and low through open terrain, it was likely a falcon. Falcons hunt with speed and agility. Look at the wings if you can. Broad and rounded wings mean hawk. Pointed and swept-back wings mean falcon. Check for the mustache mark on the face. If you see a thin dark line running from the eye down the cheek, it is probably a falcon. Hawks do not have this marking. Listen to the calls. Hawks make harsh screams. Falcons make rapid kicking or cackling calls. If the bird was hunting from a perch and dove at prey on the ground, it was likely a hawk. If it was chasing another bird through the air, it was probably a falcon. Visit /wildlife for more information and range maps to narrow down which specific species you observed.

The biggest myth is that hawks and falcons are the same bird with different names. They are not. Hawks and falcons are in different families with different behaviors and anatomy. Hawks belong to the family Accipitridae, and falcons belong to the family Falconidae. Another myth is that all raptors are eagles or hawks. False. There are also falcons, vultures, osprey, and other birds of prey. Some people think falcons and hawks interbreed. They do not. They are distinct enough genetically that hybrid offspring would be extremely rare or impossible. Another myth is that hawks are more dangerous than falcons. In truth, peregrine falcons are among the most powerful birds of prey and can take birds as large as pigeons and ducks. Hawks are also skilled predators. Both deserve respect. Some people believe that all birds of prey will attack humans. They will not, unless defending a nest. Hawks and falcons typically ignore people. Finally, some people think falcons are just small hawks. While some falcons are small, others are larger than many hawks, and the difference is in hunting strategy and anatomy, not size.