Likely Red-tailed Hawk; possibly another large buteo hawk

This is a long, boldly barred hawk flight feather from a broad-winged raptor. Red-tailed Hawks are large soaring buteos with broad wings, dark patagial marks, variable plumage, and a characteristic descending, hoarse scream

Dark brown to blackish overall, crossed by numerous bold pale cream or whitish diagonal bars; the shaft is pale. This pattern is compatible with a barred hawk flight feather but is not diagnostic of Red-tailed Hawk alone

Pennaceous, tightly interlocked vanes with intact hooklets; barbs are somewhat frayed near the tip and edges, with no obvious aftershaft

Long, pale, moderately robust rachis; dense dark barbs form alternating pale and dark transverse-diagonal bands, with narrower vane on one side

Stiff, smooth, and glossy in the dark areas, with a slightly weathered matte appearance and edge abrasion

Wing, probably an outer primary based on the pronounced asymmetry and tapered outline

Large size, strongly asymmetric flight-feather shape, pale shaft, and repeated high-contrast cream-and-dark barring. The pattern supports a buteo hawk but cannot securely separate Red-tailed Hawk from similar species

Red-tailed Hawks occupy open country, farmland, grassland, desert edges, woodland margins, and urban areas, nesting in trees, cliffs, and occasionally tall structures

Widespread across North America, Central America, and parts of the Caribbean; northern populations migrate south, while many temperate birds are resident

Apex-to-mesopredator in many terrestrial food webs, Red-tailed Hawks regulate rodents, rabbits, and snakes and serve as indicators of functioning open-country ecosystems; the species is generally widespread and considered Least Concern

Swainson’s, Ferruginous, Broad-winged, and Red-shouldered Hawk feathers may overlap in pattern. Exact separation requires feather position, measurements, and comparison with verified reference specimens

Red-tailed Hawks are among North America’s most common raptors and can soar for long periods using thermals. Their famous scream is often used as the stock sound effect for many unrelated film and television raptors

Raptor feathers have cultural importance in many Indigenous traditions and are legally protected in the United States; possession or sale generally requires authorization. Historically, hawk feathers were also used in decorative arts and fly-tying

Measure the feather, note which vane is narrower, and photograph both sides beside a ruler. Search beneath woodland roosts, nesting territories, and favored fence-line hunting areas, while following local wildlife-feather regulations

Good condition overall, though the distal tip and some margins show wear and minor fraying; no obvious fault bars, oiling, or parasite damage visible