Red-tailed Hawk

This is a classic adult 'red tail' feather. The bird is a large raptor with broad, rounded wings and a short, wide tail. Adults are famous for the cinnamon-red upper tail that gives them their name, while juveniles have brown, banded tails.

Rufous-red or brick-red dorsal surface with a thin dark subterminal band near the tip. The ventral (underside) is a lighter pinkish-white. Characteristic dark smudges or faint barring along the rachis are visible.

Pennaceous throughout the majority of the vane for structural integrity during flight; plumulaceous (downy) at the very base for insulation.

Smooth and firm texture with a slightly matte finish; the leading and trailing edges are stiff to resist air pressure during flight.

Rufous-orange coloration, thin black subterminal band, and a pale calamus/rachis distinguish this from all other North American raptors.

Highly adaptable; found in open woodlands, agricultural fields, prairies, deserts, and urban parks with tall perches.

Breeds throughout most of North America from Alaska and Canada south to Panama and the West Indies; northern populations migrate south.

Apex predator; controls rodent and rabbit populations. They are ecological indicators of habitat health and toxin levels in the environment.

Ferruginous Hawk (longer, usually whiter at the base), Broad-winged Hawk (bold black and white bands), or a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk (brown with many thin bands).

The 'screech' of a Red-tailed Hawk is so iconic that it is almost always used in Hollywood movies as a sound effect for Bald Eagles and other birds of prey.

Good condition; minor fraying at the tip and some separation of barbs (splits) consistent with natural wear or impact during molting.