which of the two birds of prey are typically bigger in size?
2007-12-27 04:39:24 · 7 answers · asked by brian s 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
Falcons, in North America at least, are typically slightly smaller than hawks, particularly the buteos (the accipiters are generally smaller than the buteos). In addition, falcons often have a more sleek and streamlined appearance, which can also make them appear smaller (again, this is especially true when comparing them to buteos).
However, there is considerable overlap between the two groups, with falcons ranging in size from the 22" long gyrfalcon down to the 9" long American kestrel. Among accipiters, the smallest is the 11" long sharp-shinned hawk, and the largest is the 21" long northern goshawk. The smallest buteo is the 15" long broad-winged hawk and the largest is the 23" long ferruginous hawk.
Basically, the smallest falcons are smaller than the smallest hawks, and the largest hawks are larger than the largest falcons, but there are plenty that overlap in the middle.
2007-12-27 06:26:09 · answer #1 · answered by jillmcm1970 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I've always thought of falcons as a variety of hawk, just like accipiters are a kind of hawk, or buteos are a kind of hawk. Maybe I haven't been keeping up with the name status... Anyway, falcons and accipiters are about the same size range in the US; buteos are bigger and bulkier as a rule, but then they hunt in a very different way, so they don't have to be lean and mean and speedy.
2007-12-27 16:33:31 · answer #2 · answered by John R 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends but typically hawks (buteos) are slightly stockier and many are larger than most falcons (for example, the red tailed hawk is larger than any falcon i can think of). Keep in mind that the proper separation is between accipters and buteos. Sometimes the birds have a name such as 'hawk' but are actually falcons (accipters).
2007-12-27 15:47:05 · answer #3 · answered by SC 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Both are considered medium size raptors, it really depends on the species.
But I would think Hawks would slightly edge out Falcons over all.
2007-12-27 12:45:49 · answer #4 · answered by Brian K² 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Both are considered medium size raptors, it really depends on the species.
But I would think falcons would slightly edge out hawks over all.
2007-12-27 12:53:25 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
i think falcons.
2007-12-27 12:57:39 · answer #6 · answered by Billie V 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
FALCONS they RULE GOOOOO FALCONS
2007-12-27 12:51:41 · answer #7 · answered by Zack 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋