Red-tailed Hawk

This is a robust wing feather from a Red-tailed Hawk, a large raptor with a 4-foot wingspan. These hawks are famous for their namesake cinnamon-red tails (in adults) and their 'screaming' call often used in movies. The feather exhibits the classic 'Buteo' banding pattern used for camouflage while roosting.

Cinnamon-brown to rufous wash on the outer vane and distal half; interior vane is creamy white with distinct dark brown horizontal bars (banding). The pattern is consistent with an immature or light-morph adult.

Primarily pennaceous with tightly interlocking barbs and barbules for flight efficiency; plumulaceous (downy) barbs visible at the very base near the calamus for insulation.

Smooth, stiff, and slightly glossy on the dorsal surface. The vane is rigid to withstand wind pressure during flight. Minimal powder bloom is present.

Broad secondary shape, distinct dark brown horizontal bars on a white background on the inner vane, and a warm cinnamon-buff wash on the outer edges.

Highly adaptable; found in open woodlands, grasslands, agricultural fields, mountain ranges, and increasingly in urban and suburban environments.

Widespread throughout North America, ranging from central Alaska and Canada south through Mexico and Central America. Most populations are year-round residents.

Apex predator; plays a vital role in controlling rodent and rabbit populations. Their presence is a sign of a healthy, functioning ecosystem with enough prey biomass.

Red-shouldered Hawk (smaller, more frequent banding), Ferruginous Hawk (typically lighter with different barring), and Cooper's Hawk (narrower feather, different tail/wing proportions).

Red-tailed Hawks have incredible eyesight, capable of seeing a mouse from 100 feet away. Their iconic raspy 'keeee-er' scream is almost always used by Hollywood as the sound for any eagle or hawk on screen.

Good condition. Some minor fraying (splits) along the leading edge suggests it was naturally molted or weathered. No significant fault bars or parasitic damage visible.