Red-tailed Hawk (Eastern or Western subspecies)

A large, signature Buteo with broad, rounded wings and a short, wide tail. While adults have the namesake brick-red tail, juveniles (which likely dropped this feather) have brown-banded tails and similar heavy barring on their flight feathers.

Base color is off-white to creamy white with bold, dark brown transverse bands (barring). The tip is dark brown/black. Note the lack of rufous, indicating this is a juvenile/immature plumage feather.

Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs providing a rigid, aerodynamic surface; the base shows a small plumulaceous region for insulation near the calamus.

Leading edge is stiff and slightly rough; trailing edge is smooth. Overall surface is matte to slightly glossy with a waxy, water-resistant coating common to raptors.

Bold, wide dark brown bands on a white background; distinct emargination on the distal half of the feather; heavy-duty white rachis.

Extremely versatile, including open woodlands, agricultural fields, pastures, desert scrub, and urban parks with tall trees or structures for nesting.

Year-round resident across most of North America from central Canada to Panama; northernmost populations migrate south for the winter.

Apex generalist predator; controls rodent and rabbit populations and serves as a vital indicator of environmental health and toxicant levels.

Red-shouldered Hawk (smaller, more frequent barring), Cooper's Hawk (shorter, more rounded), and Rough-legged Hawk (different banding density).

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

Fair to Good. The feather shows significant wear at the tip (fraying) and some separation of the barbs along the trailing edge, suggesting it was molted after a full season of use.