The Great Black Hawk and the Peregrine Falcon are both impressive birds of prey, but they belong to different families and have distinct characteristics. This article will delve into the key differences between these two avian predators.

Appearance and Identification

The Great Black Hawk is a large bird of prey with a black body, a white band across the tail, and a white base to the primaries. It has broad, rounded wings and a long, square-tipped tail. In contrast, the Peregrine Falcon has a grayish-black helmet, a white breast, a barred belly and flanks, and dark gray upperparts. The juvenile Peregrine Falcon has buffy underparts that are densely streaked with dark brown.

One of the most notable differences between the two birds is their wing and tail shape. The Peregrine Falcon has long, pointed wings and a relatively short tail, while the Great Black Hawk has broad, rounded wings and a long, square-tipped tail. Additionally, the Peregrine Falcon has a distinctive “helmet” on its head, which the Great Black Hawk lacks.

Hunting Behavior and Prey

Image source: Great Black Hawk by Bernard DUPONT

The Peregrine Falcon is a specialist bird of prey that hunts other birds in mid-air, often reaching speeds of over 322 km/h (200 mph) during its characteristic hunting stoop. It feeds almost exclusively on medium-sized birds such as pigeons, doves, waterfowl, songbirds, and waders.

On the other hand, the Great Black Hawk is an opportunistic feeder that hunts a variety of prey, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. It typically hunts on the ground or in trees, rather than in the air like the Peregrine Falcon.

Habitat and Nesting

The Great Black Hawk is a resident of tropical lowland forests and wooded savannas in Central and South America. It nests in trees or on the ground.

The Peregrine Falcon, on the other hand, is found on every continent except Antarctica and is known to nest on cliffs or tall buildings, in addition to natural habitats.

Size and Wingspan

The Great Black Hawk has a body length of 56-64 cm (22-25 in) and a wingspan of 122-140 cm (48-55 in).

The Peregrine Falcon is slightly smaller, with a body length that can range from 34 to 58 cm (13 to 23 in) and a wingspan of 80 to 120 cm (31 to 47 in).

Taxonomic Differences

The Great Black Hawk belongs to the family Accipitridae, which includes hawks, eagles, and kites. The Peregrine Falcon, on the other hand, belongs to the family Falconidae, which includes falcons and caracaras.

Conclusion

While both the Great Black Hawk and the Peregrine Falcon are impressive birds of prey, they have distinct differences in appearance, behavior, and ecology. By understanding these differences, bird enthusiasts can better appreciate the unique qualities of each species.

References:
– How to correctly identify a bird that looks like a Cooper’s Hawk or a Peregrine Falcon?
– Downtown Chicago Hawk or Falcon?
– Peregrine Falcon vs. Cooper’s Hawk
– Hawk vs. Falcon: What’s the Difference?
– Peregrine Falcon v Red-Tailed Hawk