Red-shouldered Hawk (also known as Hen-hawk)

This feather belongs to a medium-sized Buteo characterized by its 'reaching' scream and colorful plumage. Adult birds have a rufous-colored breast and distinctive reddish-orange 'shoulders'. The wings are checkered black and white, which is reflected in the high-contrast banding of this specific secondary feather.

Bold, high-contrast pattern. The ground color is white or creamy-white, marked with 6-7 distinct, dark chocolate-brown to blackish horizontal bars. The tip has a broad dark terminal band followed by a thin white edge.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs throughout most of the vane for aerodynamic integrity, with a small plumulaceous (downy) section at the base (superior umbilicus).

Smooth, stiff, and somewhat glossy on the dorsal side; the ventral side has a more matte, silvery finish. The vane is firm and holds its shape well when manipulated.

Bold white-and-dark banding, rounded tip, and the specific number of bars are diagnostic for Buteo lineatus, distinguishing it from the mottled patterns of Red-tailed Hawks.

Found in deciduous and mixed woodlands, often near water sources such as rivers, swamps, and flooded forests. They prefer canopy cover for nesting.

Common throughout the Eastern United States and along the coast of California and northern Mexico. Eastern populations are partially migratory.

An apex predator in woodland ecosystems, they control populations of small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles (notably snakes).

Broad-winged Hawk (smaller, fewer bars), Red-tailed Hawk (usually more mottled or less crisply banded on secondaries), and Cooper's Hawk (more elongated, different banding ratio).

Red-shouldered Hawks are highly vocal, often giving a 'kee-a' call that is frequently mimicked by Blue Jays. They are known for returning to the same nesting territory year after year.

Good condition. The edges show minor wear (fraying) consistent with a naturally molted feather. No significant fault bars or parasite damage visible.

Some hawk