Red-tailed Hawk (Red-tail)

The Red-tailed Hawk is a stalwart apex hunter of North American skies, recognized by its broad wings and distinctive rust-colored tail in adults. Measuring 18-26 inches in length with a wingspan of up to 4.5 feet, it soars effortlessly in wide circles while searching for small mammals, reptiles, and birds.

Rich dark brown background with distinct white and pale grey mottling and barring concentrated near the distal tip and inner web margins. The rachis is white to off-white on the underside, transitioning to brownish-grey dorsally.

Strongly pennaceous and tightly interlocked with robust barbicels, creating a waterproof and wind-resistant surface. Intact structure with a well-developed continuous vane.

Stiff, smooth, and matte to semi-glossy finish. The leading edge is firm and knife-like, while the trailing edge is slightly more flexible to reduce turbulence and noise during flight.

Combination of dark brown coloration, generous white mottling at the tip, robust asymmetrical structure, and pronounced emargination on the inner web characteristic of Buteo primaries.

Extremely adaptable, found in deserts, scrublands, urban areas, grasslands, agricultural fields, coniferous and deciduous woodlands, and tropical rainforests from sea level up to 10,000 feet.

Widespread throughout the Americas, breeding from central Alaska and Canada down through the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Mostly year-round resident with northern populations migrating south.

Acts as a crucial apex predator regulating small mammal populations such as voles, mice, and rabbits, helping maintain balanced agricultural and wild grassland ecosystems.

Swainson's Hawk and Rough-legged Hawk. Distinguished by specific barring patterns, emargination placement, and overall size proportions unique to Buteo jamaicensis.

Red-tailed Hawks have phenomenal vision, roughly 8 times sharper than human vision, allowing them to spot a mouse from 100 feet in the air. Their piercing scream is frequently used in Hollywood films to represent any soaring eagle or hawk.

Good condition with minor wear at the extreme tip and intact barbs. No notable fault bars, insect damage, or severe fading, indicating a relatively fresh molt from the previous seasonal cycle.