Red-shouldered Hawk

This feather belongs to the Red-shouldered Hawk, a medium-sized forest raptor known for its 'robin-red' breast and loud 'kee-aah' call. The hawk has a wingspan of about 3 feet and is easily identified in flight by the translucent 'windows' at the base of its primaries.

Distinctive high-contrast bold white and dark brownish-black banding. The bands are relatively even in width, which is diagnostic for this species.

Mostly pennaceous and tightly interlocked for flight efficiency, becoming plumulaceous (downy) at the very base near the calamus.

Smooth and firm with a slightly matte finish; the leading edge is stiff to cut through the air, while the overall surface is somewhat flexible.

Bold, even, high-contrast dark and white banding; rounded tip; lacks the reddish tint found in Red-tailed Hawk tail feathers.

Found in deciduous and mixed woodlands, often near water sources like rivers, swamps, and flooded forests.

Common across the Eastern United States, California, and parts of Mexico; Eastern populations may migrate south during winter.

An apex predator in forest ecosystems, they control populations of small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles.

Broad-winged Hawk (bands are wider and fewer), Cooper's Hawk (longer, more tapered feathers), Red-tailed Hawk (lack the stark white-on-black banding on secondaries).

Red-shouldered Hawks are highly vocal and are famous for their antagonistic relationship with Great Horned Owls, with whom they often share territory.

The feather appears to be in Good condition, likely a naturally molted specimen. The edges show minor wear but the banding is crisp.