Red-tailed Hawk
Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Aves; Order: Accipitriformes; Family: Accipitridae; Genus: Buteo; Species: Buteo jamaicensis · Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites) · Secondary flight feather (Remiges)
Species
Buteo jamaicensis
Feather Type
Secondary flight feather (Remiges)
Family
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
Shape
Broad and slightly asymmetrical with a rounded tip; typical of a raptor secondary feather designed for lift.
Size
Approximately 7 to 9 inches in length. This matches the typical size range for an adult Red-tailed Hawk secondary feather which usually measures between 18-24 cm.
Rarity
Common; it is the most widespread and frequently seen large hawk in North America.
Color & Pattern
Mottled brown and off-white. The distal end (tip) is dark chocolate brown, transitioning into a series of irregular, wavy dark brown bands (bars) against a creamy white or pale buff background. The underside is noticeably paler.
Barb Structure
Mostly pennaceous (tightly interlocked) for flight integrity, transitioning to plumulaceous (fluffy) at the base near the calamus; the trailing edge shows some wear and separation.
Texture & Surface
Smooth and stiff on the pennaceous vane with a matte finish. The surface feels slightly oily/water-repellent typical of large soaring birds.
Description
This feather represents the classic mottled secondary of a Red-tailed Hawk. The bird itself is a large raptor with broad, rounded wings and a short, wide tail. While adults have the namesake brick-red tail, their wing feathers remain beautifully barred in earth tones to provide camouflage while perched in trees.
Key Features
Distinctive 'mottled' or marbled brown banding rather than crisp straight lines, a broad vane, and a pale creamy-white base color.
Habitat
Extremely versatile: found in open woodlands, agricultural fields, grasslands, desert scrub, and urban parks with tall trees or telephone poles for perching.
Geographic Range
Common across North America, from central Alaska and Canada south through Mexico and Central America to the West Indies.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is significant fraying and separation of the barbs along the inner vane (vane-splitting), suggesting this was a naturally molted feather that has spent some time exposed to the elements.
Interesting Facts
The 'screech' used in Hollywood movies for almost every eagle or hawk is actually the recorded call of a Red-tailed Hawk. Their eyesight is eight times as powerful as a human's.
Ecological Role
Apex predator; primarily controls rodent and rabbit populations. They are vital indicators of environmental health and the presence of heavy metals or pesticides in the food chain.
Similar Species
Red-shouldered Hawk (feathers are usually darker with much thinner, whiter, more defined bands) and Broad-winged Hawk (smaller with more uniform banding).