Red-tailed Hawk
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Accipitriformes, Family: Accipitridae, Genus: Buteo, Species: Buteo jamaicensis · Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites) · Flight feather (Secondary remex)
Species
Buteo jamaicensis
Feather Type
Flight feather (Secondary remex)
Family
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
Shape
Moderately asymmetrical with a rounded tip and broad, slightly curved vane; typical of inner wing flight feathers.
Size
Approximately 7 to 9 inches (18-23 cm) in length, which is consistent with the secondary feathers of a medium-to-large Buteo species.
Rarity
Common and widespread; one of the most frequently seen birds of prey in North America.
Color & Pattern
Pale white to creamy base with distinct, dark brown horizontal bands (bars). The bands are slightly irregular and concentrated more toward the distal end of the feather. The underside is noticeably paler with translucent banding.
Barb Structure
Pennaceous and tightly interlocked throughout most of the vane for aerodynamic efficiency, with plumulaceous (fluffy) downy barbs at the base of the calamus.
Texture & Surface
Smooth, stiff, and somewhat matte surface. The leading edge is slightly more rigid than the trailing edge to withstand wind pressure during flight.
Description
A classic secondary feather from the most iconic North American hawk. Red-tailed Hawks are large raptors with broad, rounded wings and short, wide tails. Adults are known for their brick-red tail feathers, while juveniles have banded brown tails. This specific feather likely belongs to an immature bird or is a secondary feather from a light-morph adult.
Key Features
Distinctive dark brown banding on a white/cream background, broad vane width, and a thick, sturdy white rachis characteristic of Buteo flight feathers.
Habitat
Open country, including grasslands, parks, woodlands, and agricultural fields; also commonly seen perched on telephone poles along highways.
Geographic Range
Resident throughout North America, from central Alaska and Canada south to Panama and the West Indies.
Condition Notes
Good condition. Minimal wear is visible at the tip, suggesting it was recently molted. Some separation of the barbs is visible but can be repaired by 'zipping' them back together with fingers.
Interesting Facts
Red-tailed Hawks have incredible eyesight, allowing them to see a mouse from 100 feet in the air. Their iconic scream is often used in movies as a sound effect for Bald Eagles, whose actual vocalizations are much chirpier.
Ecological Role
Top-tier predator that controls rodent and small mammal populations. They are vital ecological indicators of environmental health in both rural and suburban landscapes.
Similar Species
Red-shouldered Hawk (smaller, darker/tighter banding), Rough-legged Hawk (more extensive dark patches), and juvenile Northern Goshawk (more wavy, thinner bands).