Birders

sinkingfeeling

(57,845 posts) Mon Jan 5, 2026, 05:36 PM Jan 2026

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 2026 OP

Guides are useful on the ground. In air, that is more difficult, but Raptor ID app can help... hlthe2b Jan 2026 #1

Thank you. sinkingfeeling Jan 2026 #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 2026 #4

The internet says: (mostly hawk vs. eagle) usonian Jan 2026 #2

Thanks. I'll view the video and read up. sinkingfeeling Jan 2026 #6

I usually just wing it. 2MuchNoise Jan 2026 #5

Books have been published on this subject. WestMichRad Jan 2026 #7

hlthe2b

(114,100 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, 05:44 PM

Jan 2026

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

(57,845 posts)

3. Thank you.

Reply to hlthe2b (Reply #1)

Mon Jan 5, 2026, 06:39 PM

Jan 2026

surfered

(13,657 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, 08:03 PM

Jan 2026

in winter.

usonian

(25,685 posts)

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

Reply to sinkingfeeling (Original post)

Mon Jan 5, 2026, 05:48 PM

Jan 2026

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

(57,845 posts)

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

Reply to usonian (Reply #2)

Mon Jan 5, 2026, 08:41 PM

Jan 2026

2MuchNoise

(779 posts)

5. I usually just wing it.

Reply to sinkingfeeling (Original post)

Mon Jan 5, 2026, 08:30 PM

Jan 2026

WestMichRad

(3,297 posts)

7. Books have been published on this subject.

Reply to sinkingfeeling (Original post)

Tue Jan 6, 2026, 08:13 AM

Jan 2026

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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