Eagle vs. Hawk: A Sharp Eye to Differentiate Birds of Prey

Bald eagle — Sure, you can easily recognize this as a bald eagle, but what about comparing other types of eagles to hawks? Laura Hedien / Getty Images

If you've ever looked up and wondered which raptor you're watching, you're not alone. The eagle vs. hawk comparison is important to casual birders and nature lovers alike.

While both belong to the family Accipitridae, they differ in size, behavior and prey.

From bald eagles to red tailed hawks, each bird has unique traits. Here's how to tell these birds of prey apart.

What Do Eagles Look Like?

Eagles tend to be much larger birds with massive feet, formidable talons and strong, curved beaks.

Species like golden eagles, harpy eagles, giant forest eagles and Philippine eagles are examples of robust eagle species.

What Do Hawks Look Like?

Hawk species such as red tailed hawk, ferruginous hawk, red shouldered hawk and cooper’s hawks are smaller birds with more compact frames, although the largest hawk species like the ferruginous hawk can rival small eagles.

Hawks belong to different groups like genus Buteo, which includes broad-winged species often seen soaring over open fields.

Hunting Style and Diet

Eagles generally hunt mammals and fish, using their size and strength to subdue larger prey. Fish eagles and snake eagles specialize in specific diets, such as aquatic prey and reptiles, respectively.

Hawks are versatile hunters and can eat reptiles, birds, small mammals and insects. They are known for their speed and agility, using quick flight behavior and strategic dives.

Both hawks and eagles use their keen eyesight to locate prey from great distances.

Flight Behavior

Eagles soar in wide circles, often riding thermals for hours. Their wings are typically held flat or only slightly raised when soaring, allowing them to glide with minimal effort.

Hawks, depending on species, may flap more often and maneuver swiftly between trees. Smaller raptors like peregrine falcon are known for their speed, though falcons are technically in a different family.

Habitat and Range

Eagles belong in a variety of habitats: coastal regions, forests and highlands. They nest on cliff ledges, tall trees or secluded areas. The bald eagle, for example, is often seen near water bodies.

Hawks commonly perch on telephone poles, forest edges and open areas. Experienced birders often spot hawks hunting along roadways or near fields.

Nesting and Reproduction

Bald eagles in nest — Bald eagles. Joel Auerbach / Getty Images

Most eagles are monogamous and build large nests reused for years. Most eagles lay up to three eggs per clutch (usually two), so they typically raise one or two chicks (though rarely three) in a breeding season.

Hawk species vary; many nest in tall trees and are territorial during breeding.

Distinguishing Features

Flight patterns help differentiate the two birds: Eagles have larger wingspans and glide more, while hawks exhibit more active flapping.
Look for traits like dark brown feathers, sharp talons and hunting posture.
Coloration, wings and specific traits like calls and behavior aid in identification.

Both hawks and eagles are vital raptors in their ecosystems. Whether you're admiring the grace of an eagle over the Pacific or the fierce dive of a red tailed hawk, these raptor species are always thrilling to watch.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.