Red-tailed Hawk (Chickenhawk)

This feather likely belongs to an adult Red-tailed Hawk, a large, bulky raptor known for its broad, rounded wings and iconic cinnamon-red tail. These birds are often seen soaring in circles or perched on telephone poles scanning for small mammals. Their plumage varies significantly by region and morph, but the rufous color on this feather is a diagnostic trait of the species' maturity.

Transition from a grayish-tan at the downy base to a rich ferruginous (rusty-red) at the tip. No distinct banding, which is characteristic of adult 'Eastern' or various subspecies' rump feathers.

The upper half is pennaceous (tightly interlocked), while the lower half is plumulaceous (fluffy/downy) for insulation. Intact with some slight fraying at the tip.

Smooth and somewhat stiff at the tip, transitioning to a very soft, silky texture at the downy base. Matte appearance.

Characteristic rusty-red (rufous) pigmentation, soft plumulaceous base, and a length fitting a medium-large Buteo contour feather.

Extremely versatile; found in open woodlands, grasslands, agricultural fields, deserts, and urban parks across many elevations.

Resident throughout North America from central Alaska and Canada southward to Panama; northern populations are migratory.

Apex predator; critical for controlling rodent and rabbit populations. Their presence is a sign of a healthy, functioning ecosystem.

Red-shouldered Hawk (feathers are usually more barred/shorter), Ferruginous Hawk (rarely as consistently rufous on contour feathers), and Rough-legged Hawk.

Red-tailed Hawks are the 'voice' of Hollywood eagles—nearly every time an eagle or hawk screams in a movie, the sound used is actually recorded from a Red-tailed Hawk. They can also spot a mouse from 100 feet in the air.

Good condition; slight mechanical wear (fraying) at the distal end. No signs of parasites or fault bars. Freshness suggests a recent molt.