How do hawks differ from falcons in wing shape and hunting style?

While hawks and falcons are both birds of prey, they belong to different taxonomic families—Accipitridae and Falconidae, respectively—and possess distinct physical and behavioral adaptations.1

Wing Shape

• Hawks: Generally feature broader wings and tails, which provide the maneuverability and stability needed for soaring and hunting in wooded or enclosed environments.12
• Falcons: Characterized by long, pointed wings and streamlined bodies. This anatomy is adapted for high-speed flight and precision, particularly during rapid dives.13

Hunting Style

• Hawks: Often rely on agility to hunt in wooded areas or use their broad wings to soar over open or mountainous terrain while searching for prey. Their hunting techniques include "raking," where they swiftly pursue prey, or flying directly from a perch or the falconer's fist to capture ground game.1452
• Falcons: Known for their exceptional speed, they are specialized for hunting in open spaces. They often attack in the air, using their high diving speed to overtake prey that might otherwise evade them. In falconry, they are frequently flown in a "waiting on" style, where they climb high to "stoop" (dive) at game flushed below.135