Red-shouldered Hawk

The Red-shouldered Hawk is a medium-sized forest hawk recognized by its reddish-brown barred chest, checkered black-and-white wings, and striking reddish shoulders visible when perched. It has a barred tail and often vocalizes with a distinctive, piercingkee-you call. This feather exhibits the classic rufous and dark brown barred pattern typical of the species' upperparts.

Rich reddish-brown or rufous base with bold, dark brown to black horizontal barring and distinctive pale edging, featuring a strong pale-yellowish central rachis

Pennaceous vane along the upper portion transitioning to a plumulaceous (fluffy) downy base at the calamus, with intact and tightly interlocked barbicels

Central rachis is robust, pale straw-colored, slightly curved, and tapered. Barbs are densely packed, set at a moderate angle, and display sharp contrast between the dark bands and rufous background

Smooth, firm, and matte in appearance with a rigid vane structure at the top and soft, fluffy down fibers near the base

Body contour feather, likely from the upper wing coverts or mantle, determined by the distinctive reddish-brown coloration and dark barring pattern

Rich rufous-chestnut coloration paired with sharp, dark brownish-black barring and a pale central shaft

Deciduous and mixed deciduous-coniferous wooded swamps, river bottomlands, and mature forests, often near water

Eastern North America and along the Pacific coast of California, residing year-round in much of its range

Acts as an apex avian predator regulating small mammal, amphibian, and reptile populations, serving as an important ecological indicator of forest health

Broad-winged Hawk and Red-tailed Hawk; distinguished by the specific rufous tones and distinct fine dark barring rather than heavy spot-streaking or broad terminal bands

Red-shouldered Hawks are remarkably vocal and are frequently imitated by Blue Jays. They exhibit high site fidelity, often returning to the same nesting territory year after year.

Feathers of North American raptors hold deep spiritual significance for many Indigenous cultures and are strictly regulated. Historical feather trade and millinery uses heavily impacted raptor populations before modern protective legislation.

Look near mature riparian woodlands, swamp edges, and traditional nest sites, especially during the spring and summer molt periods

Good condition with intact barbs, minor natural wear at the tip, and clean structure showing no significant fading or damage