What is the difference between an eagle and a hawk? This is a question that many people ask, but it can be difficult to answer. Both of these birds are raptors, which means they hunt and kill prey with their claws and beaks. However, there are some key differences between these two species. Let’s take a closer look at the eagle and hawk to see what makes them unique.
What is Eagle?
- Eagle is a common name for many large birds of prey of the family Accipitridae. Eagles belong to several groups of genera, not all of which are closely related. Most of the 60 species occur in Eurasia and Africa. Outside this area, just two species (the white-tailed Eagle and the Golden Eagle) can be found in North America, nine more in Central and South America, and three in Australia.
- Eagles are large, powerfully built birds of prey, with strong legs and huge sharp talons. They have very large, hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong chests, and powerful wings. Eagle eyesight is incredibly sharp – four to eight times sharper than that of humans. This allows them to spot potential prey from great distances.
- Eagles build their nests – called eyries – in tall trees or on cliff edges. Eagle eggs are usually pale blue with brown spots. The female lays two or three eggs at a time and both parents help to incubate them; the incubation period is around 45 days. Once the chicks hatch they are tended to by their parents until they are around 12 weeks old when they learn to fly.
What is Hawk?
Hawk is the common name for a large bird of prey. Hawks are found all over the world, and there are several different species. They are known for their sharp eyesight and powerful talons, which they use to hunt smaller birds and animals. Hawk feathers are typically sleek and thin, which helps them to fly quickly and silently through the air. Some hawks also have unique plumage patterns that help them to blend in with their surroundings. This allows them to surprise their prey before attacking. Hawks are skilled predators, and they play an important role in keeping populations of other animals in check.
Difference between Eagle and Hawk
Eagle and hawk are both raptors, but there are noticeable differences between the two. Eagles are generally larger than hawks, with longer wings and tails. They also have a much sharper vision, allowing them to spot prey from great heights. Hawks, on the other hand, are known for their speed and agility. They are often seen swooping down on small animals, quickly killing their prey with their powerful beaks. While both birds are impressive predators, the eagle is typically considered to be the more majestic of the two. With its regal appearance and powerful hunting skills, the eagle is truly a king of the skies.
Conclusion
Eagles and hawks are both raptors, birds of prey. They have keen eyesight and can spot their prey from a great height. However, there are some key differences between these two types of raptors that make them suited to different lifestyles. Hawks are smaller than eagles and have shorter wingspans. This means they can fly faster and maneuver more easily in trees and bushes when hunting for small prey. Eagles are larger birds with longer wingspans which give them the power to soar high above their territory in search of large prey such as deer or rabbits.
