Hawk
The term hawk refers to birds of prey in any of three senses.
- Strictly, to mean any of the 48 species in the genus Accipiter which includes goshawks, sparrowhawks, the Sharp-shinned hawk and others. They are mainly woodland birds that hunt by sudden dashes from a concealed perch. They usually have long tails and high visual acuity.
- More generally, to mean small to medium-sized birds that are members of the Accipitridae, the family which includes the true hawks (Accipiters) and also eagles, kites, harriers, buzzards, and Old World vultures.
- Hunting hawks were housed in mews.
- Loosely, to mean almost any bird of prey.
The common names of birds in various parts of the world often use hawk loosely. For example, in North America, the buzzards (Buteo) are often called "hawks".
Hawk is also a political term for persons who are said to be aggressive, favor military solutions to problems, and are unbending and unforgiving to their nation's enemies. See also hawkish, dove.
See also Hawk-Dove game, peace movement, militarism
Hawk is also an aircraft. The Hawker Siddeley Hawk is a fast jet trainer aircraft which is in service with several air forces around the world. It is generally the last aircraft that a trainee fast jet pilot learns to fly before the service type that they will fly operationally.