Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

The Red-tailed Hawk is a robust raptor with broad wings and a short, wide tail. Adults typically feature a rich brown upperpart, pale underparts with a streaked belly band, and the signature rust-red tail. They are powerful soaring birds often seen circling open fields or perched on roadside poles.

Rich brown background with distinct white and cream-colored chevron or transverse barring across both vanes; rachis is light brown to whitish

Tightly interlocked pennaceous structure with strong barbs and well-developed hooklets; no afterfeather present; barbs are intact and well-conditioned

Stiff, smooth, and matte texture with strong rigid vanes designed for aerodynamic flight performance

Distinctive alternating brown and white/cream bars across a broad pennaceous vane with a sturdy, light-colored rachis

Extremely adaptable, found in deserts, scrublands, coniferous and deciduous forests, urban areas, agricultural fields, and grasslands

Widespread throughout North America, ranging from western Alaska and northern Canada down through Central America and the Caribbean

Acts as an apex avian predator helping control populations of small mammals, rodents, and reptiles, maintaining healthy ecosystem balances

Swainson's Hawk and Ferruginous Hawk, distinguishable by finer barring details, overall size, and specific regional coloration

Red-tailed Hawks have exceptional eyesight, capable of spotting a mouse from a height of 100 feet. Their iconic piercing scream is frequently used in Hollywood films to represent any soaring raptor or eagle.

Good condition, fresh appearance with intact barbs and minimal fraying or wear