Falcons and hawks are both birds of prey, sharing a classification as raptors. However, they differ in physical characteristics, behaviors, and sizes. A common question is which of these aerial predators is larger.
Distinguishing Features
Falcons possess long, pointed, swept-back wings, built for high-speed flight. This wing shape allows them to achieve remarkable speeds, with some species capable of rapid wing beats and incredibly fast dives. Falcons also have a more compact and slender body build compared to hawks.
Hawks, conversely, have broader, more rounded wings designed for soaring and sustained gliding. Their flight involves slower wing flaps and circling, utilizing thermal air currents to conserve energy. Hawks tend to have a stockier body build and shorter tails. A notable difference is the “tomial tooth” on a falcon’s upper beak, a sharp notch used to sever prey’s spinal cord. Hawks lack this specialized tooth, instead using powerful talons to kill prey.
Their hunting styles reflect these physical adaptations. Falcons are known for aerial hunting, often diving from great heights in a “stoop” to capture prey mid-air. They primarily target other birds, though some eat insects. Hawks hunt by perching and swooping down, or by soaring to spot prey on the ground, often ambushing small mammals, reptiles, or larger insects.
Size Comparison and Notable Examples
Hawks tend to be larger and heavier on average than falcons. Hawks range from 18 to 30 inches in length, while falcons measure between 8 and 26 inches. This general rule has nuances, as size overlaps can occur between the largest falcons and smallest hawks.
Among falcons, the American Kestrel is one of the smallest species. It measures 8.7 to 12.2 inches (22 to 31 cm) in length, with a wingspan of 20.1 to 24.0 inches (51 to 61 cm), and weighs 2.8 to 5.8 ounces (80 to 165 g).
The Peregrine Falcon, a medium-sized falcon, has a body length of 13 to 23 inches (34 to 58 cm), a wingspan of 29 to 47 inches (74 to 120 cm), and weighs 0.93 to 3.3 pounds (424 to 1,500 g).
The Gyrfalcon is the largest falcon species. Males measure 19 to 24 inches (48 to 61 cm) long and weigh 1.8 to 3 pounds (805 to 1,350 g). Females are larger, at 20 to 26 inches (51 to 65 cm) in length, with a wingspan of 49 to 63 inches (124 to 160 cm), and a weight of 2.6 to 4.6 pounds (1,180 to 2,100 g).
For hawks, the Sharp-shinned Hawk is among the smaller species. Males measure 9.1 to 11.8 inches (23 to 30 cm) long, with a wingspan of 17 to 23 inches (42 to 58 cm), and weigh 2.9 to 4.1 ounces (82 to 115 g). Females are larger, reaching 11 to 14 inches (29 to 37 cm) in length, with a wingspan of 23 to 27 inches (58 to 68 cm), and weighing 5.3 to 7.7 ounces (150 to 219 g).
The Red-tailed Hawk is a common, larger hawk, with a body length of 17.7 to 25.6 inches (45 to 65 cm) and a wingspan ranging from 43.3 to 57 inches (110 to 145 cm). Their weight falls between 1.5 and 4.4 pounds (690 to 2,000 g).
The Ferruginous Hawk is considered the largest hawk in North America, with a length of 19.7 to 27.2 inches (50 to 69 cm), a wingspan of 52 to 60 inches (132 to 152 cm), and a weight of 2.2 to 4.6 pounds (0.98 to 2.1 kg). While hawks are generally larger, a large Peregrine Falcon or Gyrfalcon can be bigger than a small Sharp-shinned Hawk, demonstrating the overlap in size ranges.