Red-shouldered Hawk

This feather belongs to the Red-shouldered Hawk, a medium-sized forest hawk. Adults have a beautiful rufous-colored chest and distinctive 'checkered' black-and-white wing patterns. This secondary feather shows the classic high-contrast banding that makes this species easy to identify in flight from below.

Distinctive high-contrast banding. Deep brownish-black or charcoal bars alternate with crisp white-to-cream bands. The tip is dark with a thin white terminal edge.

Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs providing a firm, aerodynamic surface; plumulaceous (fluffy) barbs are visible near the base (calamus).

Smooth, firm, and slightly glossy on the dorsal surface; the underside is more matte with a silvery-white sheen on the light bands.

Bold white-and-black alternating bands of roughly equal width and a slightly rounded tip; much more contrast than the mottled brown of a Red-tailed Hawk.

Found in deciduous or mixed woodlands, often near water sources like rivers, swamps, or wooded wetlands.

Common throughout the Eastern United States, portions of the California coast, and south into Mexico. Eastern populations are semi-migratory.

Apex predator of the forest mid-story; they control populations of small mammals, reptiles (snakes), and amphibians.

Broad-winged Hawk (bands are wider and fewer), Red-tailed Hawk (lack bold white banding, more mottled/brown), Cooper's Hawk (longer, more tapered feathers).

Red-shouldered Hawks are highly vocal and are known for their 'kee-a' call, which is frequently mimicked by Blue Jays seeking to clear a bird feeder.

Good condition; the barbs are mostly intact though some separation is visible near the base, likely due to natural wear or the molting process.