Do you want to know the difference between a 'falcon' vs. 'eagle' vs. 'hawk?'
Here is the short answer:
- A 'falcon' is a hawk that is trained in falconry or the sport of hunting using a trained bird of prey.
- An 'eagle' is a large diurnal bird of prey that belongs to the Accipitridae family and is recognized for its strength, keen sight, and large size.
- 'Eagle' is also a verb that means to score an 'eagle' in a golf game.
- A 'hawk' is a diurnal bird of prey belonging to the suborder Falcones in the Falconiformes order.
- 'Hawk' is also a verb that means to use a hawk in the sport of falconry.
The answer above is just a brief overview. To learn about all of the meanings and uses of these words, keep reading!
What is the Difference Between 'Falcon' vs. 'Eagle' vs. 'Hawk?'
'Falcons,' 'eagles,' and 'hawks' are all diurnal birds of prey. However, 'falcons' and 'hawks' are essentially the same birds that belong to the suborder Falcones from the Falconiformes order, while the 'eagle' belongs to the Accipitridea family of diurnal birds of prey.
The difference between a 'falcon' and a 'hawk' is that a 'falcon' is a 'hawk' trained to perform in the sport of falconry.
The bald 'eagle' is well-known as the official national emblem of the United States. It was chosen because it is known to be a fearless, high-flying bird that has keen sight and senses.
Between 'falcons' vs. 'eagles' vs. 'hawks,' 'falcons' and 'hawks' are smaller and have pointed wings, and 'eagles' are larger and have broader rounder wings.
Definition of 'Falcon': What Does 'Falcon' Mean?
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 'falcon' is a noun that means:
- Any variety of 'hawk' trained in the sport of falconry, especially a Peregrine 'Falcon,' which is female
It can also mean:
- Any 'hawks' belonging to the Falconidae family with long pointed wings, a notched beak, and a long tail
Synonyms and Similar Words to 'Falcon'
Due to 'falcon' being a term that applies specifically to a trained 'hawk' belonging to the Falconidae family, there are no synonyms.
Definition of 'Eagle': What Does 'Eagle' Mean?
- Various large diurnal birds of prey belonging to the Accipitridae family, known for their speed, agility, size, and keen sight
It can also mean:
- The 'eagle'-bearing currency of the ancient Romans
- 'Eagle'-bearing insignia of rank worn by navy captains and military colonels
- The score given when a golf player scores two strokes less than par on a hole
- A major fraternal order member
'Eagle' can also be a verb that means:
- To score an 'eagle' on a hole in a golf game
Synonyms and Similar Words to 'Eagle'
'Eagle' is also a specific term that has no synonyms listed in the thesaurus.
Definition of 'Hawk': What Does 'Hawk' Mean?
'Hawk' is a noun defined as:
- Any of the diurnal birds of prey belonging to the suborder Falcones in the Falconiformes order
- A tool used to hold mortar, which consists of a sheet of metal with a handle on the underside
- Someone with a militant attitude who advocates for taking immediate and vigorous action
- A supporter of war or warlike policies
- An audible action meant to force phlegm out of the throat
'Hawk' can also be a verb that means:
- To hunt birds using a trained 'hawk' or to practice Falconry
- To soar and then strike like a 'hawk'
- To offer goods for sale by calling out to potential customers on the street
- To sell goods
- To spit something out forcibly
- Making a loud audible noise while attempting to clear one's throat
Synonyms and Similar Words to 'Hawk'
- Militarist
- Militant
- Warmonger
- Combatant
- Agitator
- Belligerent
- Peddle
- Wholesale
- merchandise
- Market
- Distribute
- Retail
- Vend
- Hustle
Pronunciation: How to Pronounce 'Falcon' vs. 'Eagle' vs. 'Hawk'
Now, let's look at the pronunciation of 'falcon' vs. 'eagle' vs. 'hawk.' Whether you are learning English as a second language or trying to improve your writing skills, learning proper pronunciation can help.
So, here is a pronunciation guide for you to reference.
- Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'falcon':
fal-ken
- Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'eagle':
ē-gul
- Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'hawk':
hauk
When and How to Use 'Falcon' vs. 'Eagle' vs. 'Hawk'
Next, here are some tips for when and how to use 'falcon' vs. 'eagle' vs. 'hawk':
- Use 'falcon' when referring to a trained 'hawk' used for falconry.
For example, you could say:
The falcon displayed advanced skills in the last competition.
- Use 'eagle' to refer to the national bird of the United States.
As an example, you could say:
Flag poles in the United States often have an eagle on the top.
- Use 'eagle' as a verb for completing a golf hole two strokes under par.
So, you might say:
I can't believe it; this was my first time golfing, and I scored an eagle on the last hole.
- Use 'hawk' to refer to a bird belonging to the Falcones suborder of the Falconiformes order of diurnal birds of prey.
For example, I might say:
Every morning, a group of hawks flies over my house, hunting for prey.
- Use 'hawk' as a verb for the act of making an audible noise while attempting to expel phlegm from one's throat.
So, you might say:
Gross! Don't hawk loogies in here!
- Use 'hawk' as a noun for a militant who advocates for taking immediate action.
As an example, you might hear someone say:
Our commander is a hawk. He always wants to act swiftly against anyone who threatens our freedom.
- Use 'hawk' as a verb for the action of selling products on the street by calling out to people passing as a form of marketing.
For example, you might say:
I love downtown, but all the peddlers trying to hawk their products get annoying.
Sample Sentences Using 'Falcon' vs. 'Eagle' vs. 'Hawk'
Before you leave, take a look at these sample sentences using 'falcon' vs. 'eagle' vs. 'hawk.'
Falcon
- I would love to try falconry, but first, I have to buy a trained falcon.
- Trained falcons can range in price from $1,000 to $10,000.
- I love to watch the falcons as they hunt for prey.
- In Dubai, falcons and falconry are held in high regard.
Eagle
- Most kindergarteners learn that the eagle is the national bird of the United States of America.
- The bald eagle has a patch of white feathers on its head which gives it its bald appearance.
- The California Condor is one of the few birds that are larger than the eagle.
- In the United States, it is illegal to touch the active or inactive nest of a bald or golden eagle.
Hawk
- Hawks hunt for small animals and other birds.
- Hawks have sharp, curved talons they use to pick up prey.
- After a hawk picks up its prey, it uses its sharp talons to dismember it.
- Quit hawking phlegm everywhere. It is disgusting even if you are in the pink of health!
Final Review of the Difference Between 'Falcon' vs. 'Eagle' vs. 'Hawk'
We covered a lot of information in this post. So, here is a quick review of what you learned about the difference between 'falcon' vs. 'eagle' vs. 'hawk':
- A 'falcon' is a hawk trained in the sport of falconry.
- An 'eagle' is a large diurnal bird of prey known for its large stature and for being the national symbol of the United States.
- 'Eagle' is a golf means to complete a hole two strokes under par.
- 'Hawk' is a diurnal bird of prey belonging to the suborder Falcones in the Falconiformes order.
- 'Hawk' is also a verb for making an effort to bring up phlegm from one's throat or selling goods on the street.
Keeping these terms straight may be challenging. So, if you are unsure which to use in the future, you can always return to this page to review the difference between these terms.
You can also learn about hundreds of other frequently misused terms in the confusing words section here. So, if you have been wondering about the correct way to use other English terms, check them out now!
