Red-tailed Hawk (alternate: Chickenhawk)

This feather belongs to the iconic Red-tailed Hawk, a large raptor with broad, rounded wings and a short, wide tail. Adults are famous for their brick-red upper tails. They are often seen soaring in wide circles or perching on telephone poles scanning for small mammals.

The feather exhibits a solid rufous (reddish-brown) base color on the dorsal surface, characteristic of an adult bird. It shows a faint dark subterminal band near the tip, which is a classic field mark for this species. The ventral (underside) is notably paler.

Highly pennaceous and tightly interlocked throughout the upper vane to maintain aerodynamic integrity, with a small plumulaceous (fluffy) section near the base (calamus).

The surface is smooth and stiff with a slightly matte finish. The leading edge is highly rigid to resist air pressure during flight or steering.

Characteristic rufous color, presence of a subterminal dark band, stiff rachis, and asymmetrical vane shape distinguishing it as a tail feather rather than a body feather.

Extremely versatile; found in open woodlands, grasslands, agricultural fields, urban parks, and along highway corridors with suitable perching sites.

Resident throughout North America, ranging from Alaska and Canada south into Central America and the West Indies. Northern populations are migratory.

Top-tier predator; regulates populations of rodents, rabbits, and reptiles. They are essential for maintaining the balance of small mammal populations in their ecosystems.

Ferruginous Hawk (typically lacks the dark subterminal band), Red-shouldered Hawk (smaller with heavy black and white banding), and Cooper's Hawk (longer tail with distinct gray/brown bands).

The 'scream' of the Red-tailed Hawk is so iconic and piercing that it is almost always used in movies to represent any eagle or hawk, regardless of the species actually shown on screen.

Fair condition. The vane shows significant 'zipper' separation (parted barbs) and some fraying along the edges, suggesting it was a naturally molted feather that has been exposed to the elements or mechanical wear.