Red-tailed Hawk (specifically an immature or juvenile plumage variant)
Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Aves; Order: Accipitriformes; Family: Accipitridae; Genus: Buteo; Species: Buteo jamaicensis · Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Old World Vultures) · Tail Feather (Rectrix). Placement: Likely R3 or R4 (inner to middle-outer tail position).
Species
Buteo jamaicensis - Confidence Level: 95%
Feather Type
Tail Feather (Rectrix). Placement: Likely R3 or R4 (inner to middle-outer tail position).
Family
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Old World Vultures)
Shape
Relatively symmetrical but slightly curved, elongated with a rounded tip. The vane is broad, tapering slightly toward the base.
Size
Estimated 8 to 10 inches (20-25 cm) in length. This is consistent with the tail feathers of a large Buteo hawk; adult Red-tailed Hawk rectrices typically measure between 19 cm and 26 cm.
Rarity
Common. This is one of the most widespread and frequently seen raptors in North America.
Color & Pattern
Pale off-white to creamy base color with distinct brown-to-umber horizontal banding (barring). This 'barred' pattern is the diagnostic hallmark of a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk; they lack the solid rufous (red) tail of the adult until their second year.
Barb Structure
Densely pennaceous throughout most of the vane for flight stability, becoming plumulaceous (downy) at the extreme base (calamus area). Barbs are well-attached but show some typical separation near the tip.
Texture & Surface
Smooth and firm texture with a slightly matte finish. The surface is designed for durability and aerodynamic efficiency rather than the soft, silent-flight adaptations found in owls.
Description
This feather represents the juvenile stage of North America's most iconic hawk. Unlike the vibrant brick-red tail of an adult, young Red-tailed Hawks sport these brown-and-white barred feathers. The bird itself is large and bulky with broad, rounded wings and a short, wide tail. They are masters of soaring on thermals.
Key Features
Heavy brown barring on a lighter background, rounded tip, and stiff rachis. The specific number and width of the bands help distinguish it from other Buteos like the Red-shouldered Hawk.
Habitat
Highly adaptable: found in open woodlands, prairies, agricultural fields, alpine meadows, and urban areas (often perched on highway poles or tall buildings).
Geographic Range
Common throughout North America, ranging from central Alaska and Canada down through Mexico and into Central America. Many northern populations are migratory.
Condition Notes
Good condition. There is slight fraying at the tip and some minor 'split' barbs, likely due to natural wear or the impact of the molt. No obvious fault bars (stress lines) are visible.
Interesting Facts
The 'scream' of the Red-tailed Hawk is so iconic that Hollywood sound designers almost always use its recording for any eagle or hawk shown on screen, regardless of the species actually being filmed.
Ecological Role
Apex predator and critical regulator of rodent and small mammal populations. They act as an ecological indicator for the health of open-country ecosystems.
Similar Species
Broad-winged Hawk (smaller, fewer bands), Red-shouldered Hawk (tends to have darker/blacker bands with starker white), and juvenile Cooper's Hawk (more elongated, different banding ratio).