Both hawks and eagles are popular prey. They live in various regions across the world. However, they come in different species and this is what makes it easier to differentiate.
What is the main difference between hawk and eagle? A hawk is a small bird of prey with a small wingspan while the eagle is a large bird of prey with a large wingspan.
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Comparison Table (Hawk vs Eagle)
| Basic Terms | Hawk | Eagle |
| Definition | It is a small bird of prey marked with sharp eyesight and unique hunting techniques | It is a large bird of prey with long and broad wings |
| Number of Species | 250 | 74 |
| Size | Relatively smaller | Larger |
| Strength | Not that strong | Tend to be stronger |
| Feature Colors | White underneath and other parts either grey or reddish-brown | Golden, blackish gray or brown in color |
| Sound | High-pitched screeching noise | Subtle scream |
| Prey | Rabbits, rats, mice, gophers, and grasshoppers | Small mammals, snakes, and fish |
| Group | Cast | Convocation |
| Nesting | Build nest on trees or rocks | Build nest on tall trees or cliffs |
| Eggs | Lay five times in a lifetime | Lay two times in a lifetime |
| Number of Eggs and Color | Two to seven eggs which are light blue or whitish with brown spots | Two whitish eggs |
| Lifespan | 15 years | 30 years |
| Examples of Species | Goshawks, sharp-shinned hawk, sparrowhawks, duck hawks, and fishhawks | Philippine eagle, Steller’s sea eagle, harpy eagle, and martial eagle |
| Color of Beaks | Black | Yellow or white |
| Location | All around the world | Asia, Africa, and Europe. |
What Is a Hawk?
It is a diurnal bird of prey with a long tail and round wings. These birds have sharp eyesight and impeccable hunting technique.
The bird can grow up to eight pounds. The strong broad wings and tail enable the bird to roar for a long time.
Some of the common hawk species include Goshawks, sharp-shinned hawks, sparrowhawks, duck hawks, and fishhawks.
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What Is an Eagle?
It is a large bird of prey with long and broad wings. The bird can grow up to 18 pounds. Besides that, they have a heavier muscle body with a very strong body.
Some of the common eagle species include the Philippine eagle, Steller’s sea eagle, harpy eagle, and martial eagle.
The birds of prey are commonly found in Asia, Africa, and Europe. They mainly prey on small mammals, snakes, and fish.
Main Difference between Hawk and Eagle
- Eagles are stronger than hawks
- Hawks are comparatively smaller while eagles are larger
- Hawks have about 250 species whereas eagles have about 74 species
- Hawks produce high-pitched screeching sounds while eagles produce subtle screams.
- The Group of hawks is known as cast while that of eagles is known as convocation.
- Hawks lay eggs about five times in their lifetime while eagles lay about two times in their lifetime
- Hawks have black beaks while eagles have yellow or whitish beaks
- Hawks build a bulky nest on top of trees or rocks while eagles build a nest on top of tall trees or cliffs.
- Hawks lay 2-7 eggs while eagles lay two eggs
- Eagles have a lifespan of 30 years while hawks have a lifespan of 15 years.
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Similarities between Hawk and Eagle
- Both are birds of prey
- Both belong to the Accipitridae family
- Both inhabit the forest, grassland, deserts, and seacoast
- Both have strong and powerful claws
- Both females are stronger than males
- Both are diurnal birds.
- Both have feathered legs and toes
- Both have sharp eyesight and claws
- Both have similar wings and tail shape
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Summary
The key difference between hawk and eagle is that hawk is a medium-size prey bird while the eagle is a large bird of prey. Both are famous for their eyesight and hunting techniques.
More Sources and References
Hawk Species. Wikipedia
Eagle Prey Bird. Wikipedia