Red-tailed Hawk (Red-tail)

The Red-tailed Hawk is a large, powerful raptor characterized by its broad, rounded wings and short, wide tail—which is typically brick-red in adults. They are master soarers, frequently spotted circling high over open fields or perched atop roadside poles scanning the ground for small mammals.

Striking pattern of bold dark brown transverse bars alternating with pale cream, buff, and white spaces against a warm brown background; dark brown central rachis transitioning to a pale yellowish-white base.

Strongly pennaceous with tightly interlocked barbs and barbicels providing high structural rigidity; minor wear visible near the base with some plumulaceous downy barbs.

Stiff, smooth, and matte finish with high structural rigidity along the vane and a pliable, hollow calamus at the base.

Distinctive alternating bold brown and cream/white barring across a broad, rounded feather vane with a robust central rachis.

Extremely adaptable, inhabiting deserts, scrublands, scrub desert, urban areas, agricultural fields, grasslands, deciduous and coniferous forests.

Widespread throughout North America, ranging from western Alaska and northern Canada down through Central America and the Caribbean.

Acts as a top apex avian predator, playing a crucial role in regulating rodent and small mammal populations to maintain ecosystem balance.

Rough-legged Hawk, Swainson's Hawk, and Ferruginous Hawk, which can be distinguished by specific differences in wing feather barring and coloration.

Red-tailed Hawks have incredible eyesight, capable of spotting a mouse from a height of 100 feet. Their iconic, harsh screeching cry is frequently used in Hollywood films to sound like any eagle or hawk.

Good condition with minor fraying at the extreme base and slight surface wear, indicating a naturally molted feather.