Red-tailed Hawk

This is a large, sturdy flight feather from the most iconic North American hawk. Red-tailed Hawks are bulky raptors with broad, rounded wings and short, wide tails. Adults are famous for their cinnamon-red tails, but their wing feathers—like this one—are characterized by dark tips and lighter bases. They are master soarers, often seen circling on thermals.

A gradient pattern typical of a dorsal view. The distal portion (tip) is a dark chocolate brown to nearly black. This fades into a silvery-gray or brownish-gray mid-section. The very base and the underside (ventral) would be lighter, often showing a creamy white base.

Densely packed pennaceous (interlocked) barbs through the majority of the vane to provide a stiff, wind-resistant surface for flight. Some plumulaceous (downy) barbs are visible at the very base of the rachis near the calamus.

Smooth, stiff, and somewhat glossy on the upper surface. The vane feels rigid to the touch, designed for structural integrity during flight. The trailing edge is softer than the leading edge.

Large size, distinct asymmetry, dark brown tip fading to a silvery-gray base, and a thick, rigid rachis. The lack of heavy barring identifies this as a primary feather from an adult of the eastern or central subspecies.

Extremely versatile, found in open grasslands, agricultural fields, broken woodlands, desert scrub, and increasingly in urban and suburban environments where tall perches (trees or poles) are available.

Year-round resident across most of North America, from central Alaska and Canada south through Mexico and Central America. Some northern populations are migratory.

Apex predator primarily feeding on small mammals like voles, mice, and rabbits. They play a vital role in controlling rodent populations and serve as indicators of environmental health.

Broad-winged Hawk (smaller), Ferruginous Hawk (lighter overall), and Golden Eagle (significantly larger with a thicker rachis).

The scream of the Red-tailed Hawk is so quintessential that Hollywood almost always uses its recording for any eagle or hawk shown on screen, regardless of the species actually pictured.

Good condition. There is some minor fraying at the tip and along the edges, suggesting it was molted naturally after a full season of use. No visible fault bars or parasite damage.