Hawk vs. Falcon: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on February 19, 2024
Hawks are broad-winged raptors known for soaring, while falcons have pointed wings and excel in high-speed pursuits.
Difference Between Hawk and Falcon
Hawks and falcons are both birds of prey, belonging to the raptor family, but they possess distinct characteristics. Hawks are generally characterized by their broad wings and stout bodies, making them adept at soaring and circling in the air. Falcons, on the other hand, have slender, pointed wings which allow them to fly at incredible speeds.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 19, 2024
When it comes to hunting techniques, hawks usually rely on surprise, often perching silently before swooping down on their prey. Falcons, notably the peregrine falcon, are known for their incredible aerial acrobatics and can dive at speeds of over 200 mph to catch their prey mid-flight.
Muazma Batool
Feb 19, 2024
In terms of physical appearance, hawks often have rounded tails and a robust physique. Falcons typically have a more streamlined appearance, with long tails and a notch or "tooth" on their beak, which they use to break the neck of their prey.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 19, 2024
Another differentiating factor is their habitat and behavior. While both can be found globally, hawks are more commonly seen in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and urban areas. Falcons, however, are often found in more open terrains where their high-speed pursuits are more effective.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 19, 2024
Hawk vs. Falcon Comparison Chart
Physical Appearance
Rounded tails and robust physique.
Streamlined with long tails and a beak "tooth".
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 19, 2024
Preferred Habitat
Varied, including forests and urban areas.
Open terrains for effective high-speed pursuits.
Leo
Feb 19, 2024
Hawk vs. Falcon Definitions
◉Hawk
A bird of prey with broad wings and keen vision.
The hawk circled above, searching for its next meal.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
◉Falcon
A female hawk of specific species used in falconry.
The trained falcon responded immediately to her handler's commands.
Levi
Sep 25, 2023
◉Hawk
One who advocates for an aggressive policy or action.
He was known as a hawk when it came to defense policies.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
◉Falcon
A small cannon used in the 15th to 17th centuries.
The old ship was equipped with several falcons for protection.
Levi
Sep 25, 2023
◉Hawk
To sell goods in the street or public places.
Vendors would hawk their wares at the market.
Henry
Sep 25, 2023
◉Falcon
A bird of prey with pointed wings and great speed.
The falcon dove from the sky, capturing its prey in seconds.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
◉Falcon
A member of the genus Falco, comprising falcon species.
The peregrine is a popular falcon known for its speed.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
◉Hawk
A square board with a handle for holding mortar.
The mason used a hawk to carry his mortar.
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Sep 25, 2023
◉Falcon
Any of various birds of prey of the family Falconidae and especially of the genus Falco, having a short, curved beak and long, pointed, powerful wings adapted for swift flight.
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Sep 23, 2023
◉Hawk
Any of various birds of prey, especially of the genera Accipiter and Buteo in the family Accipitridae, characteristically having a short hooked bill and strong claws used for seizing.
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Sep 23, 2023
◉Falcon
Any of several birds of these or related species, such as hawks, trained to hunt small game.
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Sep 23, 2023
◉Hawk
One who demonstrates an actively aggressive or combative attitude, as in an argument.
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Sep 23, 2023
◉Hawk
A person who favors military force or action in order to carry out foreign policy.
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Sep 23, 2023
◉Falcon
(historical) A light cannon used from the 15th to the 17th century; a falconet.
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Sep 23, 2023
◉Hawk
To swoop and strike in the manner of a hawk
"It was fun to watch the scattered snail kites ... lifting and falling in the wind as they hawked across the shining grass and water" (Peter Matthiessen).
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 23, 2023
◉Falcon
One of a family (Falconidæ) of raptorial birds, characterized by a short, hooked beak, strong claws, and powerful flight.
In the language of falconry, the female peregrine (Falco peregrinus) is exclusively called the falcon.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 23, 2023
◉Falcon
diurnal birds of prey having long pointed powerful wings adapted for swift flight
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Sep 23, 2023
◉Hawk
To clear or attempt to clear the throat by or as if by coughing up phlegm.
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Sep 23, 2023
◉Falcon
A symbol representing speed and vision.
The company used a falcon as its emblem.
Jonathan
Sep 25, 2023
◉Hawk
A diurnal predatory bird of the family Accipitridae, smaller than an eagle.
It is illegal to hunt hawks or other raptors in many parts of the world.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 23, 2023
◉Hawk
Any diurnal predatory terrestrial bird of similar size and appearance to the accipitrid hawks, such as a falcon.
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Sep 23, 2023
◉Hawk
(entomology) Any of various species of dragonfly of the genera Apocordulia and Austrocordulia, endemic to Australia.
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Sep 23, 2023
◉Hawk
(politics) An advocate of aggressive political positions and actions.
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Sep 23, 2023
◉Hawk
(game theory) An uncooperative or purely-selfish participant in an exchange or game, especially when untrusting, acquisitive or treacherous. Refers specifically to the Prisoner's Dilemma, alias the Hawk-Dove game.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 23, 2023
◉Hawk
A plasterer's tool, made of a flat surface with a handle below, used to hold an amount of plaster prior to application to the wall or ceiling being worked on: a mortarboard.
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Sep 23, 2023
◉Hawk
(intransitive) To make an attack while on the wing; to soar and strike like a hawk.
to hawk at flies
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 23, 2023
◉Hawk
(transitive) To sell; to offer for sale by outcry in the street; to carry (merchandise) about from place to place for sale; to peddle.
The vendors were hawking their wares from little tables lining either side of the market square.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 23, 2023
◉Hawk
To try to cough up something from one's throat; to clear the throat loudly.
Grandpa sat on the front porch, hawking and wheezing, as he packed his pipe with cheap tobacco.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 23, 2023
◉Hawk
One of numerous species and genera of rapacious birds of the family Falconidæ. They differ from the true falcons in lacking the prominent tooth and notch of the bill, and in having shorter and less pointed wings. Many are of large size and grade into the eagles. Some, as the goshawk, were formerly trained like falcons. In a more general sense the word is not infrequently applied, also, to true falcons, as the sparrow hawk, pigeon hawk, duck hawk, and prairie hawk.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 23, 2023
◉Hawk
An effort to force up phlegm from the throat, accompanied with noise.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 23, 2023
◉Hawk
To catch, or attempt to catch, birds by means of hawks trained for the purpose, and let loose on the prey; to practice falconry.
A falconer Henry is, when Emma hawks.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 23, 2023
◉Hawk
To make an attack while on the wing; to soar and strike like a hawk; - generally with at; as, to hawk at flies.
A falcon, towering in her pride of place,Was by a mousing owl hawked at and killed.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 23, 2023
◉Hawk
To clear the throat with an audible sound by forcing an expiratory current of air through the narrow passage between the depressed soft palate and the root of the tongue, thus aiding in the removal of foreign substances.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 23, 2023
◉Hawk
To offer for sale by outcry in the street; to carry (merchandise) about from place to place for sale; to peddle; as, to hawk goods or pamphlets.
His works were hawked in every street.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 23, 2023
◉Hawk
diurnal bird of prey typically having short rounded wings and a long tail
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 23, 2023
◉Hawk
a square board with a handle underneath; used by masons to hold or carry mortar
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 23, 2023
◉Hawk
clear mucus or food from one's throat;
he cleared his throat before he started to speak
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 23, 2023
Hawk vs. Falcon Frequently Asked Questions
Do hawks hunt in the same way as falcons?
No, hawks often rely on surprise attacks from a perch.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 19, 2024
Where are hawks commonly found?
In varied habitats, including forests and urban areas.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 19, 2024
What is the primary characteristic of a hawk's wings?
Broad wings suited for soaring.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 19, 2024
Is the hawk's vision better than other birds?
Hawks have keen vision, which is essential for spotting prey from a distance.
Lucas
Feb 19, 2024
Can both hawks and falcons be used in falconry?
Yes, both are trained, but falcons are especially prized for their speed.
Henry
Feb 19, 2024
Are falcons faster in flight compared to hawks?
Yes, falcons, especially the peregrine, are known for incredible speeds.
Leo
Feb 19, 2024
Which bird is more likely to be seen diving at high speeds?
The falcon, especially during hunting.
Nolan
Feb 19, 2024
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.