Red-tailed Hawk (Red-tail)

A robust medium-to-large raptor with broad wings and a short, wide tail. Adults typically feature a rich brick-red tail, brown upperparts, and a pale streaked breast with a characteristic belly band. They are soaring masters, often seen riding thermals or perched along highways.

Distinctive alternating dark brown and white/buff transverse bars and blocking across a grayish-brown background, with a stout white-to-pale yellow rachis

Tightly interlocked pennaceous vane with strong barbicels, base features some plumulaceous (downy) barbs, intact and well-structured

Stiff, smooth, and matte finish with high rigidity along the vane, designed to withstand high aerodynamic pressure during flight

Bold dark brown and white barring pattern on a stiff, robust flight feather with a prominent whitish rachis, typical of North American Buteo species

Extremely adaptable, inhabiting deserts, scrublands, urban areas, grasslands, agricultural fields, coniferous and deciduous forests, from sea level to high elevations

Widespread throughout North America, ranging from Alaska and northern Canada down through Central America and the Caribbean

Apex avian predator playing a crucial role in controlling rodent and small mammal populations, serving as an important ecological health indicator

Swainson's Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, and Rough-legged Hawk, which share similar barred flight feather patterns but differ in exact coloration, size, and geographic distribution

Red-tailed Hawks have exceptional vision, allowing them to spot a mouse from 100 feet in the air. Their iconic scream is frequently used in Hollywood films to sound like any soaring eagle or hawk, regardless of whether a Red-tail is shown.

Good condition, clean vane with intact barbs and minimal signs of wear, fading, or structural damage