Red-tailed Hawk

This feather represents the classic 'mottled' look of a Buteo hawk's wing. The Red-tailed Hawk is a large, bulky raptor with a 4-foot wingspan, known for its iconic cinnamon-red tail (in adults) and dark 'patagial' marks on the leading edge of the wing.

Dusky dark brown distal (outer) half with a solid tip. The proximal (inner) half features distinct white and brown mottled banding/barring. The ventral side is significantly paler with muted versions of the dorsal patterns.

Mostly pennaceous, with tightly interlocked barbs creating a firm, wind-resistant vane. The base shows a small amount of plumulaceous (fluffy) down for insulation.

The dorsal surface is semi-glossy and smooth to the touch, designed for aerodynamic efficiency. The feather feels stiff and resilient, characteristic of a large raptor species.

Bold dark brown tip, distinct horizontal barring on the inner vane, and a robust white rachis at the base. The width-to-length ratio is much higher than that of a primary feather.

Extremely versatile; found in open woodlands, prairies, agricultural fields, deserts, and urban parks containing tall trees or utility poles for nesting and perching.

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

Apex predator. They play a vital role in controlling populations of small mammals, reptiles, and occasionally other birds.

Red-shouldered Hawk (smaller, more distinct white/black banding), Cooper's Hawk (narrower, more uniform grey/brown banding), and Broad-winged Hawk (fewer, wider bands).

The scream of the Red-tailed Hawk is so iconic and piercing that Hollywood sound editors almost always use it for any hawk or eagle shown on screen, including the Bald Eagle.

Good condition. There is minor fraying at the tip and along the outer margin, suggesting it may have been molted naturally at the end of a breeding season.