What is the difference between eagles and hawks

In addition, eagles have hooked beaks and curved talons. Eagles hunt their prey in flight and bring it to the nearest perch by their claws.

Hawk is a diurnal bird of prey with broad rounded wings and a long tail, typically taking prey by surprise with a short chase while eagle is a large bird of prey with a massive hooked bill and long, broad wings, known for its keen sight and powerful soaring flight. There are around species of hawk in the world while there are only 74 species of eagles. Hawks are comparatively smaller in size while eagles are large birds. In addition, the wingspan of a hawk is small while the wingspan of an eagle is large.

While hawks are mainly gray or reddish brown from the top with whitish underneath, eagle can be golden, blackish-gray or brown in color. In addition, the beaks of hawks are black in color while the beaks of eagles are yellow or white in color. There are dark spots or streaks on the neck and legs of hawks and darker bars on the wings and tail while the legs of eagles are feathered down to the toes. The noise produced by hawks is a high-pitched screeching, but eagles can produce a subtle scream.

Rabbits, rats, mice, gophers, and grasshoppers are the prey of hawks while small mammals, snakes, and fish are the prey of eagles. A group of hawks is known as a cast while a group of eagles is known as a convocation. Whereas hawks build bulky nests on trees or rocks, eagles build nests eyries in tall trees or cliffs. During their lifetime, hawks lay eggs 5 times while eagle lays eggs 2 times. Eastern Screech Owl. Related Articles. Warblers to Watch for in Winter. Bald Eagle Facts and Trivia.

A 5 Step Plan for Nighttime Birdwatching. How Birds Change in Spring. Many birds, despite having certain dietary preferences, are opportunistic and Subscribe to Our Newsletter Receive the latest bird feeding and birding news, plus exclusive offers. They do not consume fish. Most species of eagles lay 2 eggs in the nest located in the tall trees or on the cliffs.

Older chick often kills its sibling to ensure more food for itself. Hawks lay 2 to 7 eggs in the nest on the cliffs, hills, trees or occasionally on the ground. Both parents take care and provide food for their chicks. Toggle navigation. Eagle vs. Hawk Eagles and hawks are raptors birds of prey that belong to the family Accipitridae. Body Size and Morphology Eagles are usually larger that hawks. Wingspan Eagles have a wingspan of 8 feet, while most hawks have a wingspan of less than 5 feet.

Color of the Body and Beak Eagles are usually covered with golden, blackish-gray and brown feathers and have yellowish or light-colored beak. Hunting Technique Both eagles and hawks have keen eyesight which facilitates detection of food. Diet Eagles hunt larger prey such as snakes, medium-sized vertebrates and mammals and other birds. Sound Eagles produce subtle screams, while hawks produce high-pitched screeching noise.