Birds of prey: Hawk vs. Falcon

Sharp-shinned Hawk

What’s the difference between a hawk and a falcon?

Hawks and falcons are both birds of prey that hunt rodents, birds, reptiles, amphibians and some insects.  Both are in the order Falconiformesbut hawks, eagles and kites are in the family Accipitridaewhile falcons are placed in the family Falconidae.

Both have powerful talons and beaks, which help them in killing and eating the flesh of their prey. However hawks tend to be larger than falcons. They generally perch and pounce on prey with the sharp talons on their feet. The Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned Hawks are common in most mid-Michigan yards.

American Kestrel

Falcons are smaller, fly at very high speeds and alter directions easily because their wings are tapered and thin. They prefer to search the ground below while flying and grab their prey with their beaks. They have a "tooth" on the side of their beak for the purpose while hawks have a simple curve on the beak. The American Kestrel is the most common falcon in Michigan and can be found near farms with open fields. 

Related Articles:

• Sharp-shinned vs. Cooper’s Hawks http://goo.gl/sBHwDY
• Can I have a Kestrel House and a Birdfeeder? http://goo.gl/6LWO3e
• Hawks at Feeders http://bit.ly/zfOiVV
• Cooper's Hawk http://bit.ly/ylsupp
• Sharp-shinned Hawks http://bit.ly/zhi4Ng