Birders

sinkingfeeling

(57,284 posts) Mon Jan 5, 2026, 04:36 PM Jan 5

How does one tell if a soaring bird is a hawk or an eagle or a falcon? There are many large ones flying over

the trees and lake here. Thanks.

7 replies

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How does one tell if a soaring bird is a hawk or an eagle or a falcon? There are many large ones flying over (Original Post) sinkingfeeling Jan 5 OP

Guides are useful on the ground. In air, that is more difficult, but Raptor ID app can help... hlthe2b Jan 5 #1

Thank you. sinkingfeeling Jan 5 #3

Agree. Get a good guide and learn what species are in your area and if you are on a migratory path as hawks go south. surfered Jan 5 #4

The internet says: (mostly hawk vs. eagle) usonian Jan 5 #2

Thanks. I'll view the video and read up. sinkingfeeling Jan 5 #6

I usually just wing it. 2MuchNoise Jan 5 #5

Books have been published on this subject. WestMichRad Jan 6 #7

hlthe2b

(112,903 posts)

1. Guides are useful on the ground. In air, that is more difficult, but Raptor ID app can help...

Reply to sinkingfeeling (Original post)

Mon Jan 5, 2026, 04:44 PM

Jan 5

https://hawkwatch.org/raptor-id/raptor-id-app/

It is free.

I am good identifying them when perched and get good practice between the red-tailed hawks, falcons, and bald or golden eagles (both have a major nesting site very nearby, so I get practice). Likewise owls, but most nearby are Great Horned (no mistaking THEM!)

sinkingfeeling

(57,284 posts)

3. Thank you.

Reply to hlthe2b (Reply #1)

Mon Jan 5, 2026, 05:39 PM

Jan 5

surfered

(11,699 posts)

4. Agree. Get a good guide and learn what species are in your area and if you are on a migratory path as hawks go south.

Reply to hlthe2b (Reply #1)

Mon Jan 5, 2026, 07:03 PM

Jan 5

in winter.

usonian

(23,662 posts)

2. The internet says: (mostly hawk vs. eagle)

Reply to sinkingfeeling (Original post)

Mon Jan 5, 2026, 04:48 PM

Jan 5

From my very limited experience, I'd say that more experience is the key.
I'm really good at identifying red-tailed hawks and not much else.

https://avianbliss.com/eagle-vs-hawk-vs-falcon/
Rather thorough, but tiny pix.

https://www.audubon.org/magazine/three-basic-ways-identify-hawks-eagles-falcons-and-other-raptors
Not so visual, but includes falcons.

https://animals.howstuffworks.com/birds/red-tailed-hawk.htm
I got this one. We only have a red-tailed hawk in this neighborhood.

Video. Vultures? We have ravens and vultures here.

https://iere.org/how-do-you-tell-if-its-a-hawk-or-eagle/
No pictures

https://animalko.com/hawk-vs-eagle/

https://afjrd.org/hawk-vs-eagle-difference/

sinkingfeeling

(57,284 posts)

6. Thanks. I'll view the video and read up.

Reply to usonian (Reply #2)

Mon Jan 5, 2026, 07:41 PM

Jan 5

2MuchNoise

(723 posts)

5. I usually just wing it.

Reply to sinkingfeeling (Original post)

Mon Jan 5, 2026, 07:30 PM

Jan 5

WestMichRad

(2,947 posts)

7. Books have been published on this subject.

Reply to sinkingfeeling (Original post)

Tue Jan 6, 2026, 07:13 AM

Jan 6

One such is “Hawks in flight”
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hawks-in-flight-david-sibley/1000120053

Basically it comes down to recognizing the silhouette/shape and any discernible color pattern. If you can get an edge view (looking at front or back) of the bird, the angle made by the extended wings (called the dihedral angle) is very diagnostic for many species.

Good birding to you!

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