Red-tailed Hawk

This feather belongs to the iconic Red-tailed Hawk, a large raptor known for its broad, rounded wings and characteristic cinnamon-red tail (in adults). Immature birds, however, have brown, banded tails, and their wing feathers often show this distinct dark-on-light banding pattern. The bird itself is a powerful soarer, often seen circling in thermals or perched on roadside poles.

Base color is a creamy white transitioning to pale buff. It features distinct, dark brown horizontal banding (bars). There are approximately 6-8 visible dark bars. The tip is darker and more heavily pigmented. The ventral (under) side would appear paler and more silver-white.

Strongly pennaceous through the main vane with tightly interlocking barbicels for flight efficiency. The base features a significant amount of white, wispy plumulaceous (downy) barbs for insulation.

The surface is smooth and firm to the touch (pennaceous) with a slightly matte finish. It lacks the soft, velvety 'comb' texture found in owls, instead feeling stiff and resilient for powerful flight.

Wide, blunt shape; distinct dark brown transverse bars on a light background; large amount of downy white fluff at the base of the quill.

Extremely versatile: found in open woodlands, agricultural fields, grasslands, desert scrub, and increasingly in urban and suburban environments where tall perch sites are available.

Common year-round resident across most of North America, from central Alaska and Canada down through Mexico and Central America.

Apex predator; plays a vital role in controlling rodent and rabbit populations. They are highly adaptable and serve as an indicator of ecosystem health.

Red-shouldered Hawk (feathers are usually darker with thinner white bands), Cooper's Hawk (narrower, more tapered shape), and Broad-winged Hawk (smaller with fewer, thicker bands).

The 'scream' 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, including the Bald Eagle (which actually has a much weaker, chirping call).

Good condition. There is minor fraying at the tip and some separation of the barbs on the leading edge, likely due to normal wear or the molting process. No significant parasite damage (lice holes) is visible.