Red-tailed Hawk (also known as Chickenhawk or Buzzard)

This is a signature tail feather of an adult Red-tailed Hawk. The bird itself is a large, bulky raptor with a wingspan of up to 4.5 feet. Adults are characterized by their iconic rufous-red tails, which they fan out while soaring in thermals. They are opportunistic hunters known for their 'klee-er' raspy scream.

Vibrant rufous-orange on the dorsal surface with a pale, whitish-gray ventral side. It lacks the dark subterminal band visible in some subspecies, suggesting it may be from the eastern 'borealis' or a similar light-morph adult. The hue is consistent with adult plumage (juveniles have brown-barred tails).

The upper part is pennaceous and tightly interlocked for flight aerodynamic efficiency, while the base is plumulaceous (downy) for insulation. Barbs are generally intact with minor fraying at the edges.

Smooth and stiff on the pennaceous vane with a semi-glossy finish. The leading edge is firm, while the downy base is soft and silky.

Solid rufous-orange coloration without dark barring, broad rounded shape, and thick white rachis.

Extremely versatile; found in open woodlands, prairies, deserts, and urban areas (often perched on highway poles or tall buildings).

Year-round resident throughout most of North America, from central Alaska and Canada down through Mexico and Central America.

Apex predator that controls rodent and rabbit populations; sensitive to environmental toxins like lead and rodenticides.

Red-shouldered Hawk (smaller, darker tail with white bars) and Ferruginous Hawk (shorter tail, often with more white wash).

The raspy scream of the Red-tailed Hawk is so iconic that it is almost always used in Hollywood movies to represent eagles, including the Bald Eagle, which actually has a much weaker chirping call.

Excellent to Good. The color is vivid with minimal sun bleaching. Minor mechanical wear is visible at the tip, likely from contact with perches or ground nesting.