Red-shouldered Hawk
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Accipitriformes, Family: Accipitridae, Genus: Buteo, Species: Buteo lineatus
Family: Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
- Shape
- Slightly asymmetrical, elongated, and rectangular with a rounded, blunt tip. The vanes are relatively even in width, characteristic of inner tail feathers.
- Size
- Estimated 7 to 9 inches (18-23 cm) in length. This is consistent with the standard tail length for an adult Red-shouldered Hawk.
- Rarity
- Common. They are one of the most frequently seen and heard raptors in wooded riparian corridors.
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Description
This is a diagnostic tail feather from an adult Red-shouldered Hawk. Unlike the Red-tailed Hawk's solid rufous tail, this species features a striking 'zebra-striped' appearance with blackish-brown and white bands. The bird itself is a medium-sized hawk with a rufous-colored chest and distinctive translucent 'windows' near the wingtips visible in flight.
Colour & Pattern
Bold, high-contrast pattern consisting of a dark brownish-black or deep charcoal base with distinct, narrow creamy-white horizontal bands. The tip is edged with a thin white terminal band.
Barb Structure
Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs along the majority of the vane for flight stability, transitioning to a soft, plumulaceous (downy) base near the calamus.
Texture & Surface
Smooth, stiff, and somewhat glossy on the dorsal surface. The ventral side is more matte and slightly paler. The leading and trailing edges are crisp and well-defined.
Key Features
Bold black and white banding; narrow white bands compared to the wider dark bands; rounded tip with a white terminal edge; size between 7-9 inches.
Habitat
Deciduous and mixed woodlands, often near water sources such as rivers, swamps, and flooded forests. They are common in suburban areas with mature trees.
Geographic Range
Year-round resident in the eastern United States and along the California coast. The population in Central Texas (Waco) is typically resident year-round.
Ecological Role
An apex predator within its niche, it controls populations of small mammals, amphibians (frogs), and reptiles (snakes). They are excellent indicators of healthy riparian forest ecosystems.
Similar Species
Broad-winged Hawk (vane bands are much wider and fewer in number); Cooper's Hawk (tail is more rounded/wedge-shaped with grey/brown bands, not black/white); Red-tailed Hawk (adults have rufous tails without dark banding).
Interesting Facts
The Red-shouldered Hawk is exceptionally vocal, often letting out a series of 'kee-a-ah' screams that are frequently mimicked by Blue Jays. They are known to return to the same nesting territory for many consecutive years.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is significant wear and 'notching' at the very tip of the feather, likely caused by abrasion against vegetation or ground during hunting strikes. Base is intact.
Notes
Waco, Texas