When you look to the skies and see a large bird gliding in the wind, how can you tell if it’s a hawk or an eagle? Though they may seem similar at first glance, hawks and eagles have distinct differences when it comes to their physical characteristics and behaviors.
With over sixty species of hawks and twenty species of eagles, it can get tricky to distinguish them.
This article will compare hawks vs eagles, outlining the key similarities and differences between these raptors.
We’ll cover everything from size and wingspan comparisons to hunting techniques and nesting habits.
Whether you’re an amateur bird watcher or simply curious, read on to learn how to tell hawks and eagles apart.
By the end, you’ll have a thorough understanding of how these powerful birds of prey stack up against one another.
Hawk VS Eagle – Differences Between Hawks and Eagles
Physical Disparities
Size and Wingspan Comparison
Hawks are generally much smaller birds compared to eagles.
Most hawk species have modest wingspans ranging from only 28 inches (the Broad-winged Hawk) to 49 inches (the Ferruginous Hawk).
Comparatively, most eagles have expansive wingspans of at least 60 inches (5 feet) across.
Large eagle varieties like the Steller’s Sea Eagle and the Philippine Eagle boast enormous 7 to 8-foot wingspans.
In terms of weight, hawks are again fairly small birds, weighing just 1 to 3 pounds at maturity depending on the species.
Red-tailed Hawks weigh about 2-4 lbs. for example.
Meanwhile, mighty eagles tip the scales more heavily at between 8 to 15 pounds.
The largest eagle species, such as the Harpy and Philippine Eagles, weigh in the range of 15 to 20 pounds.
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Coloration and Markings
Plumage also differs noticeably between hawks and eagles.
Hawk species often feature subdued tones of black, brown, white, rufous or gray along their wings, backs and breasts.
Markings are generally limited for most hawks besides horizontal bars, streaks, or spotting.
In contrast, eagles demonstrate more dramatic, contrasting patterns in their plumage.
Bright white heads and tails stand out sharply against dark brown bodies in iconic Bald and Golden Eagles.
Other eagles display snow white, inky black, rich chocolate and golden brown colorations too.
As far as markings, many eagles also have striking yellow eyes, bills and feet.
Dense feathering extends down the legs in most eagle varieties too, unlike the bare legs and slender feet of hawks.
Behavioral Differences
Hunting Techniques and Prey Preferences
When it comes to hunting methods, hawks favor short hunting flights close to the ground in low vegetation to catch small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects.
They use speed, surprise aerial ambush attacks and nimble flying through dense habitat to capture prey.
Meanwhile, eagles are aerial specialists soaring high in open skies for prolonged periods searching the landscape below for sustenance.
Eagles rely on powerful eyesight to spot live fish and small animals to dive down upon.
Some also scavenge carrion as carcass scouts.
Pound for pound, eagles typically take larger prey than hawks of equivalent size.
Nesting Habits and Social Behaviors
Most hawk species nest alone and only pair-up with mates during mating season to reproduce.
They craft relatively small nests built loosely of sticks, often 20-60 ft above ground in the branches of broad-leafed trees.
These open twig structures allow air flow and drainage but make sheltering difficult.
Eagles differ by demonstrating complex, long-term social bonding behaviors between breeding pairs that can span many mating seasons in sequence.
Most eagles also nest alone or in small colonies on elevated platforms like tall trees, cliffs or human structures near waterways.
Their enormous nests measures up to 10 feet wide and are called “aeries”.
Each nest structure is reinforced dutifully by the eagles year after year with nesting materials to create a deep, resilient bowl-shape able to cradle eggs and enduring extreme weather exposure.
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Similarities Between Hawks and Eagles
Shared Characteristics or Behaviors
While hawks and eagles do have many distinct differences, they also share some common traits and behaviors as birds of prey.
Both hawks and eagles are carnivorous raptors with sharp talons and curved beaks adept at tearing meat.
They possess incredible eyesight to spot potential prey from afar.
Hawks and eagles also exhibit similar flight patterns, relying extensively on soaring and gliding with occasional flapping to conserve energy.
When hunting, the two groups employ stealth ambush techniques such as perching inconspicuously before dropping down swiftly upon identified targets.
Their hunting success rates are low, only about 20-40% on average per attempt for the two varieties.
Evolutionary Connections and Similarities in Habitat Needs
Hawks and eagles also have evolutionary ties, both belonging to the larger Accipitridae family of diurnal birds of prey.
They are believed to share common ancestry between 10 to 15 million years ago.
These connections help explain shared features like wing shape, legs and feet structure, eye placement and hooked upper mandibles.
In terms of habitats, most hawks and eagles reside in similar landscapes like tropical, subtropical and temperate forests near wetlands, meadows or mountain ranges since these terrain types offer ideal sheltering and nesting sites plus access to prey.
Both avoid densely urban areas but can thrive in agricultural mixed-use rural environments.
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Who is Stronger Hawk or Eagle?
As mentioned already, eagles generally exceed hawks in size, weight and wingspan measurements. But which species is stronger pound for pound?
Despite their smaller stature, a few hawk varieties can be considered stronger than some eagle species when taking weight-to-strength ratios into account.
For example, the massive 20+ pound Philippine Eagle has been measured exerting about 390 psi (pounds per square inch) of pressure with its talons.
Comparatively, the tiny Sharp-shinned Hawk weighing just over a pound has recorded grip forces up to an incredible 400 psi!
But there are a few extremely powerful eagle species that likely outmatch any hawk strengths.
The Harpy Eagle and Martial Eagle rank among the world’s strongest extant eagle varieties based on their hunting capacities.
Their talons can exert an incredible 530 psi of squeeze force.
That’s over 2 times more gripping power relative to the Philippine Eagle!
These gigantic raptors tackle and lift massive prey like sloths, monkeys and deer fawns weighing up to 15 pounds through the forest canopy – feats of strength unmatched by any hawk species.
The largest authenticated Harpy Eagle nest even contained remains of a 17 lb monkey, evidencing their mighty capacities.
While small hawk species can rival or even outmatch the grip strength of some larger eagle varieties, the most powerful eagles like the Harpy and Martial Eagles still appear stronger overall.
These apex avian hunters are able to exert tremendous force to lift enormous prey no hawk could manage.
So if judging based on the world’s mightiest species representatives, eagles seem to generally possess greater absolute strength.
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Final Thoughts
When observing a large, powerful raptor soaring overhead, it can be difficult to discern whether it’s a hawk or an eagle without closer inspection.
While overlapping in some areas, these bird of prey groups differ in a number of physical attributes and behavioral tendencies.
Eagles stand out by their sheer size and wingspans surpassing all hawk varieties.
Their feathered legs, striking color patterns in white, brown and golden, and tendency to scavenge also set them apart.
Eagles form lasting pair bonds and build enormous stick nest platforms reinforced for years while hawks nest alone in smaller twig bundles.
When hunting, hawks favor swift, low flights in dense areas to surprise light prey while eagles patiently survey open terrain from great heights to spot heavier quarry.
Yet there are some shared traits too thanks to ancestral ties. All raptors in this family have strong talons, curved beaks and excellent vision to seek small animals over vast territories.
Both hawks and eagles play integral balancing roles in local ecosystems by keeping rodent pest levels down.
And neither group poses any unprovoked threats to human wellbeing.
Whether catching a brief glimpse or lucky extended sighting of one of these spectacular aerial hunters, the subtle clues covered here will aid identifying if it’s a majestic eagle or acrobatic hawk that has left you captivated.
Once aware of their respective hallmarks, telling them apart poses far less of a challenge.
With improved knowledge and observation skills, appreciating the many marvels and distinctions of both groups will be a welcome reward for any nature lover.
Resources – (for further reading)
Britannica – Eagle | Characteristics, Habitat, & Facts
Britannica – Hawk | Types, Diet, & Facts
Larissa Adler, an Ornithology graduate from Charles Sturt University, is an avid birdwatcher with a passion for avian behavior and ecology. With extensive fieldwork experience studying bird migration patterns and nesting behaviors, Larissa brings a practical and insightful perspective to our bird-related articles.
