Red-tailed Hawk

The Red-tailed Hawk is a robust, highly adaptable raptor known for its broad, rounded wings and short, wide tail. Adults typically display a rich brown back, pale underparts with a streaked belly band, and a distinctive rust-red tail. They are masterful soarers, frequently spotted circling high over open fields or perched prominently on roadside utility poles.

Rich brown barring and dark brown transverse bands against a pale cream or whitish background, featuring clean contrasting patterns characteristic of an adult Red-tailed Hawk.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous structure on the main vane with strong hooklets, grading into a plumulaceous (fluffy) downy base near the calamus.

Stiff and firm along the pennaceous vane for aerodynamic efficiency, with a smooth, matte finish and soft, fluffy plumulaceous barbs clustered near the base.

Bold dark brown horizontal barring against a pale cream background on a symmetrical vane with a sturdy central shaft, lacking the extreme asymmetry seen in primary feathers.

Adapts to a wide range of open habitats including deserts, scrublands, urban areas, agricultural fields, grasslands, and open woodlands.

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

As apex avian predators, Red-tailed Hawks play a vital role in regulating rodent and small mammal populations, helping maintain healthy ecosystem balances.

Other large North American Buteo species such as the Swainson's Hawk or Ferruginous Hawk, which can be distinguished by subtle differences in bar spacing, background tint, and overall vane proportions.

Red-tailed Hawks have exceptional vision, estimated to be eight times sharper than a human's, allowing them to spot a mouse from a height of 100 feet.

Good condition with minor wear at the extreme tip and intact barbs throughout the main pennaceous vane, indicating a naturally molted feather.

Found on a golf course