Falcon 

vs.

Hawk

By Josie  January 11th, 2023

But what distinguishes them?

Both have:  - immense speed and strength - excellent eyesight -strong feet with sharp talons for grasping prey - powerful and sharp beaks

Both falcons and hawks are ideal predators.

Falcons can be found worldwide in many habitats

Habitat of Falcons

They reside everywhere, even the Arctic tundra and the desert

Some species flourish in increasingly urban settings e.g parks, gardens & crowded cities

Each species has a different preference for its habitat.

Hawks can quickly adapt to any surroundings, but research has shown that they prefer an open habitat.

Habitat of Hawks

Hawk species variety is much greater across South America and Africa than the remainder of their range.

These include deserts and fields, where it is more probable that they will find prey.

Falcons are monogamous and repeatedly breed with the same mate.

Reproduction of Falcons

They prefer to nest in tree hollows, but can skilfully nest on cliff ledges and artificial structures like building ledges.

Male falcons search for prey, females are solely responsible for the 1-month incubation.

Males and females will fly in sync as they circle.

Reproduction of Hawks

For about a month before they hatch, the male and female will tend to and care for the eggs.

They will continue doing this until the male catches the female, and they start to free fall to the ground.

A female hawk will typically lay five eggs in a year.

Falcon birds can range from 13 to 23 inches in length.

The size of Falcons

Typically they weigh 1.5 to 3.3 pounds.

Wings are pointed, slender and long.

The Peregrine falcon has the largest wingspan of 29-47 in.

In general, Hawks are smaller birds and have shorter wings than falcons.

The size of Hawks

A hawks’ wingspan ranges from 26 to 63 inches.

Their length can vary from 12 to 28 inches.

The smallest species weighs 9.5 ounces, whereas the largest clock 4.4 pounds.

The diet of Falcons

Falcons are carnivores and only feed on meat.

While different species pursue different kinds of prey, most are opportunists and follow whatever is available.

The diet of Hawks

Hawks are also carnivores and consume a variety of smaller animals such as snakes, lizards, fish, mice, rabbits, squirrels and birds.

Flight of Falcons

Falcons are much faster than hawks.

The peregrine falcon is the fastest bird in the world and can reach speeds of 200 mph

The falcon has wings that are perfect for high-speed stopping and diving.

Falcons rip their prey to pieces with their beaks.

Flight of Hawks

A hawk flutters its wings softly while circling or flapping momentarily before gliding.

An average hawk has a top speed of 40 mph (as opposed to the falcon's 60 mph).

Hawks both catch and kill their prey with their claws.

Now you know how these lethal birds differ!

But we're only scratching the surface,

swipe up for an in depth investigation!