Red-tailed Hawk (Eastern or Intermediate morph)

This feather belongs to the Red-tailed Hawk, a large raptor with broad, rounded wings and a short, wide tail. While adults have the namesake brick-red tail, their body feathers like this one are mottled brown and white, providing camouflage while perched in trees.

Warm brown to umber base with a distinctive dark subterminal band and a pale, buffy-white notch or 'window' on the inner and outer vanes. The tip is dark brown.

Pennaceous at the distal (top) half for weatherproofing, transitioning to highly plumulaceous (downy) at the base for insulation.

Smooth and matte on the distal surface; extremely soft and airy at the base. The vane feels slightly stiff but flexible.

Bold dark subterminal banding, large plumulaceous base, and the characteristic creamy-buff 'notching' on the edges of the brown vane.

Extremely versatile: open country, scattered woodlands, agricultural fields, parks, and highway medians.

Found throughout North America, from central Alaska and Canada south to Panama and the West Indies.

Apex predator; plays a vital role in controlling rodent and rabbit populations within its ecosystem.

Red-shouldered Hawk feathers are generally smaller and more rufous; Great Horned Owl body feathers have much softer, 'furry' edges to dampen sound.

The raspy, screaming cry of the Red-tailed Hawk is so iconic that it is almost always used in Hollywood movies to represent any eagle or hawk, regardless of species.

Good condition. Minimal wear at the tip, though some barbs have separated (zipped down) near the mid-section. No signs of parasites or severe UV bleaching.