Red-shouldered Hawk

This feather belongs to a medium-sized hawk known for its stunning rufous (reddish) shoulder patches and checkered wing patterns. As adults, they have bright orange-red barring on their chests. This secondary feather reflects the 'checkered' look seen when the bird is perched or soaring.

Strongly banded with alternating dark brown/blackish bars and creamy-white to pale buff bars. The tip is dark, followed by a distinct light band. The dorsal surface is highly contrasted, while the ventral side is more muted.

Mostly pennaceous and tightly interlocked for flight efficiency; the base shows a small amount of loose, plumulaceous barbs.

Smooth and stiff to the touch with a slightly matte finish. The leading edge (narrower vane) is more rigid than the trailing edge.

Distinct, heavy dark-and-light banding with a sharp contrast; relatively blunt, rounded tip; white rachis; and overall dimensions characteristic of small-to-medium Buteos.

Found in deciduous or mixed woodlands, often near water sources like rivers, swamps, or marshes. They prefer areas with tall trees for nesting.

Year-round resident in the eastern United States and along the coast of California/Baja California. Northern populations may migrate to the southern US or Mexico.

They are top predators in their niche, eating small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. They serve as excellent indicators of healthy riparian and woodland ecosystems.

Broad-winged Hawk (smaller, fewer and wider bands on tail), Cooper's Hawk (more elongated, different banding ratio), Red-tailed Hawk (lack the high-contrast checkerboard secondaries).

Red-shouldered Hawks are incredibly vocal, often making a loud 'kee-aher' call. They are known for returning to the same nesting territory year after year, sometimes for decades.

Good condition; minor fraying at the tip and along the margins suggests natural wear or the impact of a molt. No significant fault bars or parasite damage visible.