Jackal vs. Coyote — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 4, 2023
A jackal is a wild dog found mainly in Africa and southern Asia, while a coyote is a wild canine native to North America.
Difference Between Jackal and Coyote
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Jackals and Coyotes are both members of the canine family, but they hail from different parts of the world. Jackals are primarily seen in Africa and parts of southern Asia, while Coyotes are found throughout North America.
Jackals often have a golden-brown coat and tend to be smaller in size compared to Coyotes. Coyotes, on the other hand, can vary in color but are often grayish-brown and are larger and more wolf-like in appearance.
In terms of behavior, Jackals are known to either hunt in pairs or alone and are opportunistic omnivores. Coyotes, however, are known for their adaptability and can live in varied environments from cities to deserts.
The vocalizations of these animals also differ. Jackals have a wide range of vocalizations including yips, howls, and growls. Coyotes are famous for their haunting howls, which can sometimes be heard echoing in the North American night.
Historically, in folklore and literature, Jackals have sometimes been portrayed as cunning or as scavengers. Coyotes have a similar reputation in Native American tales, often characterized as tricksters.
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Comparison Chart
Geographical Distribution
Primarily Africa and southern Asia
North America
Size and Appearance
Smaller, golden-brown coat
Larger, grayish-brown, wolf-like
Behavior
Hunt in pairs or alone, opportunistic omnivores
Adaptable, live in varied environments
Vocalizations
Yips, howls, growls
Distinctive howls
Cultural Representation
Often seen as cunning or scavengers
Characterized as tricksters in Native American tales
Compare with Definitions
Jackal
Jackal is a small to medium-sized omnivorous mammal.
The jackal scavenged the remains of the kill.
Coyote
Coyote is larger than a jackal but smaller than a wolf.
The coyote tracks were easily distinguishable.
Jackal
Jackal is known for its distinctive vocalizations.
At night, the calls of the jackal echoed in the distance.
Coyote
Coyote often features in Native American legends as a trickster.
The tale spoke of the coyote deceiving the bear.
Jackal
Jackal belongs to the canine family, akin to dogs and wolves.
She saw a jackal during her African safari.
Coyote
Coyote is known for its adaptability to diverse environments.
A coyote was spotted roaming the city streets at night.
Jackal
Jackal often features in folklore as a cunning creature.
The story described the jackal outwitting the lion.
Coyote
Coyote is a North American wild canine.
The coyote howled under the moonlight.
Jackal
Jackals are medium-sized omnivorous mammals of the subtribe Canina, which also includes wolves and the domestic dog, among other species. While the word "jackal" has historically been used for many small canines, in modern use it most commonly refers to three species: the closely related black-backed jackal and side-striped jackal of sub-Saharan-Africa, and the golden jackal of south-central Europe and Asia.
Coyote
Coyote is an opportunistic omnivore, hunting small prey or scavenging.
The coyote scavenged the roadside for food.
Jackal
A slender long-legged wild dog that feeds on carrion, game, and fruit and often hunts cooperatively, found in Africa and southern Asia.
Coyote
The coyote (Canis latrans) is a species of canine native to North America. It is smaller than its close relative, the wolf, and slightly smaller than the closely related eastern wolf and red wolf.
Jackal
Any of several mammals of the genus Canis of Africa, Asia, and southeast Europe, that are chiefly foragers feeding on plants, small animals, and occasionally carrion.
Coyote
A wild dog that resembles the wolf, native to North America.
Jackal
One who seeks to gain advantage or profit from the difficulties of another.
Coyote
A person who smuggles people from Latin America across the US border, typically for a very high fee
At the bus station, there were coyotes offering to drive us to Los Angeles
Jackal
One who performs menial tasks for another.
Coyote
A wolflike carnivorous mammal (Canis latrans) of North and Central America, having grayish-brown or yellowish fur, large erect ears, and a drooping bushy tail. Also called prairie wolf.
Jackal
Any of certain wild canids of the genus Canis, native to the tropical Old World and smaller than a wolf.
Coyote
A firefighter who is sent to battle remote, usually very severe forest fires, often for days at a time.
Jackal
A person who performs menial/routine tasks, a dogsbody.
Coyote
(Slang) A person who smuggles undocumented immigrants into the United States, especially across the Mexican border.
Jackal
(derogatory) A person who behaves in an opportunistic way; especially a base collaborator.
Coyote
Canis latrans, a species of canine native to North America.
Jackal
A jack (the playing card).
Coyote
A smuggler of undocumented immigrants across the land border from Latin America into the United States of America.
Jackal
(rugby union) a player who steals the ball at the tackle
Coyote
To prospect for gold by manually digging holes into overlying earth, as into a hillside.
Jackal
To perform menial or routine tasks
Coyote
A carnivorous animal (Canis latrans), allied to the dog, found in the western part of North America; - called also prairie wolf. Its voice is a snapping bark, followed by a prolonged, shrill howl.
Jackal
Any one of several species of carnivorous animals inhabiting Africa and Asia, related to the dog and wolf. They are cowardly, nocturnal, and gregarious. They feed largely on carrion, and are noted for their piercing and dismal howling.
Coyote
Small wolf native to western North America
Jackal
One who does mean work for another's advantage, as jackals were once thought to kill game which lions appropriated.
Coyote
Someone who smuggles illegal immigrants into the United States (usually acress the Mexican border)
Jackal
Old World nocturnal canine mammal closely related to the dog; smaller than a wolf; sometimes hunts in a pack but usually singly or as a member of a pair
Coyote
A forest fire fighter who is sent to battle remote and severe forest fires (often for days at a time)
Jackal
Jackal is an opportunistic animal, often feeding on carrion.
The jackal waited for the lions to finish before approaching.
Common Curiosities
Where are jackals primarily found?
Jackals are primarily found in Africa and parts of southern Asia.
Do jackals and coyotes belong to the same animal family?
Yes, both jackals and coyotes belong to the canine family.
How do jackals typically hunt?
Jackals are opportunistic omnivores and often hunt in pairs or alone.
Which is typically larger, a jackal or a coyote?
A coyote is typically larger than a jackal.
Do jackals have a place in cultural or folk tales?
Yes, jackals often feature in folklore as cunning creatures or scavengers.
Can coyotes be found in urban areas?
Yes, coyotes have been spotted in urban areas due to their adaptability.
Where are coyotes native to?
Coyotes are native to North America.
Are coyotes adaptable to different environments?
Yes, coyotes are known for their adaptability and can live in varied environments.
Is the diet of a coyote strictly carnivorous?
No, coyotes are omnivores and can eat a varied diet, from small animals to fruits and vegetables.
How are coyotes portrayed in Native American legends?
Coyotes are often characterized as tricksters in Native American tales.
Are there different species of jackals?
Yes, there are multiple species of jackals, including the golden jackal and the black-backed jackal.
Do coyotes travel in packs?
While coyotes can be solitary, they also form family packs, especially when raising pups.
How do jackals communicate?
Jackals communicate through a range of vocalizations including yips, howls, and growls.
How can one distinguish between the calls of a jackal and a coyote?
While both have distinct calls, coyotes are more known for their haunting howls, whereas jackals have a wider range of sounds.
What is the primary difference in the appearance of a jackal and a coyote?
Jackals often have a golden-brown coat and are smaller, while coyotes are larger with a grayish-brown, wolf-like appearance.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
