Eagles and hawks are magnificent birds of prey. Both belong to the family Accipitridae, a diverse group that includes a wide array of diurnal raptors. While they share this common classification and exhibit similar predatory behaviors, distinct characteristics differentiate these powerful birds.
Size Differences
Generally, eagles are larger than hawks in terms of body length, wingspan, and weight. For instance, the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) measures 27.9 to 37.8 inches (71-96 cm) in length and has a wingspan of 6.7 to 7.5 feet (204-229 cm). Their weight can range from 6.5 to 14 pounds (3-6.35 kg), with females being notably larger than males. The Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) has lengths of 27.6 to 33.1 inches (70-84 cm) and wingspans of 6 to 7.8 feet (185-234 cm), weighing 6.4 to 13.2 pounds (3-6.7 kg).
In contrast, common hawk species like the Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) are smaller. Red-tailed Hawks have a body length of 17.7 to 25.6 inches (45-65 cm) and a wingspan of 3.5 to 4.6 feet (110-141 cm). Their weight falls between 1.5 to 4.4 pounds (0.69-2 kg). Cooper’s Hawks (Accipiter cooperii) are even smaller, with lengths ranging from 14.6 to 17.7 inches (37-45 cm) and wingspans of 2 to 3 feet (62-90 cm), weighing between 0.5 to 1.5 pounds (220-680 g). While some large hawks might approach the size of smaller eagle species, eagles are generally more substantial.
Other Distinguishing Features
Beyond size, eagles and hawks exhibit physical differences that aid in identification. Eagles possess a more robust and massive build, with larger heads and heavier, more pronounced beaks. Their talons are proportionally larger and stronger.
Differences in wing shape and flight patterns are apparent. Eagles have long, broad wings suited for soaring at high altitudes, holding them flat or in a slight dihedral (shallow V-shape) during flight. Hawks, like the Cooper’s Hawk, have shorter, more rounded wings and longer tails, providing agility for maneuvering through dense environments. Buteo hawks, such as the Red-tailed Hawk, also feature broad wings but are less expansive than eagles. The tail shape also differs, with eagles having shorter, broader tails compared to some hawks with longer, more fanned tails.
Habitat, Prey, and Hunting
The physical characteristics of eagles and hawks influence their preferred habitats, prey choices, and hunting strategies. Eagles, with their larger size and powerful build, frequently inhabit expansive open areas, mountainous regions, or territories near large bodies of water, which provide ample space for soaring and access to substantial prey. They are often found where tall perches or nesting sites are available. Hawks demonstrate greater adaptability, thriving in diverse environments ranging from forests and open fields to even urban landscapes.
Eagles target larger prey, including medium-sized mammals such as rabbits, marmots, and ground squirrels, as well as fish and other birds. Bald Eagles, for instance, primarily subsist on fish, which they snatch from the water’s surface with their powerful talons, but they are also opportunistic feeders that consume waterfowl, small mammals, and carrion. Hawks typically focus on smaller prey, such as rodents, small birds, reptiles, and insects.
Hunting strategies also vary according to their physical adaptations. Eagles often hunt from high perches or by soaring, utilizing their exceptional eyesight to spot prey from considerable distances before swooping down. Some eagle species can dive at speeds approaching 200 miles per hour. Hawks employ a variety of methods, including perching and pouncing, active pursuit through dense foliage, or kiting in open fields. Cooper’s Hawks, known for their agility, often use stealth to navigate cluttered tree canopies in pursuit of other birds.