Red-tailed Hawk
Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Aves; Order: Accipitriformes; Family: Accipitridae; Genus: Buteo; Species: Buteo jamaicensis · Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites) · Primary Flight Feather (Remiges), likely P4 or P5 from the wing
Species
Buteo jamaicensis
Feather Type
Primary Flight Feather (Remiges), likely P4 or P5 from the wing
Family
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
Shape
Highly asymmetrical vane, typical of flight feathers. The leading edge (outer vane) is much narrower than the trailing edge (inner vane). The tip is rounded but shows slight emargination (notching) characteristic of Buteo soaring hawks.
Size
Estimated at 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) in length based on the scale of the standard business envelope. This is consistent with the mid-range primary feathers of an adult Red-tailed Hawk.
Rarity
Common; the Red-tailed Hawk is the most widespread and frequently seen large Buteo in North America.
Color & Pattern
Dorsal surface is primarily a deep chocolate brown fading into a lighter tawny-grey toward the base. Several dark subterminal bands are visible. The ventral (under) side is lighter and more silvery. The rachis is creamy white or pale yellow.
Barb Structure
Densely pennaceous across most of the vane for aerodynamic integrity. The barbs are tightly interlocked by hooklets. The base shows a small amount of plumulaceous (downy) structure for insulation.
Texture & Surface
The surface is semi-glossy and smooth to the touch. The leading edge is stiff and sharp, while the trailing edge is softer. It has a dry, sturdy texture consistent with a high-soaring raptor.
Description
A large, powerful raptor with broad, rounded wings and a short, wide tail. Adults are famous for their namesake cinnamon-red tail, while juveniles have brown barred tails. They are often seen soaring in wide circles or perched prominently on roadside poles.
Key Features
Significant asymmetry of the vanes, dark brown coloration with faint darker banding, and a thick, pale rachis. The size and stiffness are diagnostic for a large Buteo hawk.
Habitat
Extremely versatile, found in open grasslands, deciduous forests, agricultural fields, mountain ranges, and increasingly in urban parks and highways where utility poles provide perches.
Geographic Range
Broadly distributed across North America, from central Alaska and Canada south through Mexico and Central America. Most populations are year-round residents, though northern birds may migrate.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Several rami (barbs) have separated, likely due to mechanical stress or handling after being molted. There is visible wear at the tip and some separation of the inner vane.
Interesting Facts
The 'screech' of a Red-tailed Hawk is so iconic and 'wild' sounding that Hollywood almost always uses its recording for any eagle or hawk depicted on screen, regardless of the species shown.
Ecological Role
Apex predator primarily feeding on small mammals (voles, mice, rabbits). They help regulate rodent populations and serve as an indicator of ecosystem health.
Similar Species
Red-shouldered Hawk (smaller, more distinct white/black checkering), Ferruginous Hawk (larger, often lighter undersides), and Bald Eagle (much larger, darker/black flight feathers).