Jul 27, 2023

Sky Impersonators: 11 Birds That Look Like Hawks

Enthralling yet elusive, hawks stand as a symbol of power, agility, and grace in the avian kingdom. However, their characteristic appearance often overlaps with other predatory bird species, leading to confusion among bird enthusiasts and beginners alike.

We delve into the fascinating world of raptors and highlight 11 remarkable birds that resemble our majestic hawks.

11 Birds That Look Like Hawks

Similarities

Like hawks, Bald Eagles are raptors, with strong, hooked beaks and sharp talons.
They have a similar body size to large hawks.
They also soar in flight, similar to many hawks.

Differences

Bald Eagles are typically larger than most hawks.
Bald Eagles have a white head and tail, unlike hawks.
They primarily eat fish, while hawks tend to have a more varied diet.

Similarities

Golden Eagles, like hawks, are powerful predators.
Both have strong talons and beaks used for hunting.

Differences

Golden Eagles are larger and more powerful than most hawks.
They have a golden sheen on their heads and necks, which is not seen in hawks.

Similarities

Northern Harriers share the same hooked beak and sharp talons as hawks.
Both are skilled hunters.

Differences

Unlike hawks, Northern Harriers fly low to the ground when hunting.
They have a distinct white rump patch which most hawks lack.

Similarities

Like hawks, Northern Goshawks are raptors with sharp talons and beaks.
They have a similar size and shape to many hawks.

Differences

Goshawks have bolder, more striped plumage than most hawks.
They are forest-dwellers, unlike many hawks which live in open habitats.

Similarities

Common Buzzards, like hawks, are raptors, skilled at soaring and hunting.
They are similar in size to many hawks.

Differences

They have broader, rounder wings compared to hawks.
Common Buzzards often have more varied plumage, ranging from very light to very dark.

Similarities

American Kestrels share the same raptor characteristics as hawks, such as a sharp beak and talons.
Like hawks, they are skilled hunters.

Differences

American Kestrels are significantly smaller than most hawks.
They have more colorful plumage compared to hawks, with a reddish back and tail.

Similarities

Prairie Falcons, like hawks, are powerful raptors.
Both have similar hunting strategies and diets.

Differences

Prairie Falcons are typically larger and have more pointed wings compared to hawks.
Unlike hawks, they live primarily in open country.

Similarities

Black Kites, like hawks, are raptors with strong beaks and talons.
Both are skilled in flight and hunting.

Differences

Black Kites are usually smaller and lighter than hawks.
They have a more forked tail compared to hawks.

Similarities

Ospreys share similar raptor traits with hawks, such as sharp talons and beaks.
Both are strong fliers.

Differences

Ospreys are specialized fish-eaters, unlike hawks which have a varied diet.
They have a distinctive white and black coloration, which is not seen in hawks.

Similarities

Peregrine Falcons, like hawks, are raptors and skilled hunters.
Both have strong, hooked beaks and talons for capturing prey.

Differences

Peregrine Falcons are known for their high-speed stoop (dive), which is not seen in hawks.
They are often larger and have a more streamlined body shape than hawks.

Merlin

Feature	Measurement
Scientific Name	Falco columbarius
Length	9.4-11.8 inches
Wingspan	20.9-26.8 inches
Weight	5.6-8.5 ounces

The Merlin, or “pigeon hawk” as it’s often referred to, is a compact and powerful bird of prey that is known for its agility and speed.

Appearance: Merlins have a slender, compact body with a broad-winged and long-tailed silhouette. Their color varies, with males exhibiting a bluish-gray back and a pale, finely barred chest and belly, while females and juveniles are brownish above with a heavily streaked, buff-colored underside.

Diet: These falcons primarily prey on small to medium-sized birds, including sparrows, starlings, and even other small falcons. They are known for their acrobatic flight patterns, and often catch their prey in mid-air.

Reproduction: Merlins typically do not build their own nests, instead, they prefer to take over old crow or hawk nests, or even use a tree hollow. They generally lay 4 to 5 eggs.

Similarities

Merlins share the raptor characteristics of hawks, such as sharp talons and beaks.
Like hawks, they are skilled hunters.

Differences

Merlins are smaller than most hawks.
They have distinctive dark bands on their tails, which most hawks lack.

Types of Hawk

Hawks, with their powerful beaks and razor-sharp talons, are known for their speed, agility, and precision. They are members of the Accipitridae family and come in various species, each having its unique features and habits. Here are some of the well-known types of hawks found around the world:

Red-Tailed Hawk: The red tail hawk is one of the most widespread hawks in North America. Known for its brick red tails, the Red-Tailed Hawk soars high in the sky while looking for prey (usually small birds).
Cooper’s Hawk: Medium-sized raptors, Cooper’s Hawks are famously known for their hunting skills in dense woods. They are often found stalking birds in backyard feeders.
Sharp-Shinned Hawk: Sharp shinned hawks are the smallest in North America. Their sharp “shins” or lower legs and long tails help them maneuver swiftly through forests when hunting.
Broad-Winged Hawk: Broad winged hawks are smaller than the Red-Tailed Hawks and are known for their broad wings and migratory habits. They can be spotted soaring in large groups, also known as “kettles,” during migration.
Rough-Legged Hawk: Named for its feathered legs, the Rough-Legged Hawk breeds in the Arctic and migrates south during winter. It has a unique hover-hunting style.
Swainson’s Hawk: Known for their long-distance migration to South America, Swainson’s Hawks have a variety of color morphs, but all share a notable “brow” over their eyes.
Northern Goshawk: This powerful raptor is known for its speed and agility in flight. The Northern Goshawk is the larger cousin to the Sharp-Shinned and Cooper’s Hawks.
Ferruginous Hawk: As the largest hawk species in North America, Ferruginous Hawks are named for their rust-colored feathers and prefers open grasslands as its habitat.
Harris’s Hawk: This desert-dwelling hawk is unique for its social behavior. Harris’s Hawks often hunt in groups, a characteristic uncommon in raptors.
White-Tailed Hawk: Known for its striking white tail and grey body, the White-Tailed Hawk is primarily found in the tropical grasslands of southern Texas and parts of Central and South America.
Red Shouldered hawk: Red shouldered hawks medium-sized raptor known for its rich, reddish-brown shoulders, banded tail, and distinct kee-rah call, often found in woodlands and wetlands across North America.

FAQS on Birds That Look Like Hawks

What bird is mistaken for a hawk?

Many people often mistake the Northern Harrier or the Osprey for a hawk. The Northern Harrier, with its long tail and wings, has a flight style resembling that of a hawk, while the Osprey’s size and predatory habits can make it seem hawk-like at first glance.

What kind of bird looks like a small hawk?

The American Kestrel, a member of the falcon family, is often mistaken for a small hawk. Its size, coupled with its raptor-like hunting behaviors and the way it holds its wings in flight, contribute to the frequent misidentification.

What is a bird of prey like an eagle or hawk?

Birds of prey, also known as raptors, include species like eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls. They are characterized by keen vision, sharp talons, and curved beaks for hunting and eating prey. A notable example is the Golden Eagle, one of the most powerful raptors in North America.

What is a large hawk like bird?

The Bald Eagle is a large bird of prey often mistaken for a hawk due to its size and predatory nature. However, it’s important to note that while both are raptors, eagles and hawks belong to different genera and have distinctive features and behaviors.

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