Red-tailed Hawk

The Red-tailed Hawk is a robust and powerful bird of prey with broad wings and a short, wide tail. Adults typically feature a rich rust-red tail that contrasts with their pale chest and streaked belly band. They are masters of soaring flight, frequently seen wheeling in wide circles over open fields or perched prominently on roadside utility poles.

Off-white to pale greyish-buff background with distinct, bold dark brown to reddish-brown transverse bars or chevron markings

Pennaceous upper portion with tightly interlocked barbs and plumulaceous (fluffy) lower portion near the base

Smooth and firm in the upper pennaceous section, becoming soft and downy toward the base with a matte surface finish

Bold brown and white horizontal barring on a broad, rounded contour feather with a fluffy downy base

Extremely adaptable, inhabiting open country, woodlands, deserts, scrublands, agricultural fields, and urban edge environments

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

Acts as a top avian predator, playing a crucial role in regulating rodent and small mammal populations across diverse ecosystems

Cooper's Hawk or Red-shouldered Hawk, though Red-tailed hawk contour feathers are typically larger, broader, and display coarser reddish-brown barring

Red-tailed Hawks have exceptional vision, estimated to be eight times sharper than human vision, allowing them to spot a mouse from 100 feet in the air

Good condition with minor wear along the lower barbules; intact rachis and clean coloration showing no signs of severe fading or breakage

North central Florida