Red-tailed Hawk (Eastern form)

This is a classic adult tail feather from a Red-tailed Hawk. The bird itself is a large raptor with broad, rounded wings and a short, wide tail. Adults are characterized by the iconic cinnamon-red tail that gives them their name, while juveniles have brown, banded tails. They are known for their 'kree-eee-ar' scream and soaring circular flight patterns.

Distinctive rufous (brick-red) upper surface with a thin, dark subterminal band near the tip. The underside is a paler, pinkish-cinnamon. The rachis is light-colored/tan.

Mainly pennaceous with tightly interlocked barbs for flight stability; plumulaceous (downy) at the very base of the calamus.

Smooth, stiff, and slightly glossy. The vane is rigid to withstand wind pressure during soaring and steering.

The vibrant rufous coloration on the dorsal side and the presence of a faint dark subterminal band are definitive diagnostic markers for an adult Red-tailed Hawk.

Extremely versatile; found in open woodlands, agricultural fields, mountain regions, and urban parks with tall trees or buildings for nesting.

Widespread across North America, from central Alaska and Canada south through Mexico and Central America; partially migratory in northern reaches.

Apex predator; feeds primarily on rodents and small mammals, helping to regulate pest populations. It is an essential indicator of environmental health.

Ferruginous Hawk (typically whiter tails), Cooper's Hawk (longer, grey/brown banded tail), and Northern Goshawk (greyish banded tail).

The Red-tailed Hawk's raspy scream is almost always used in Hollywood movies to represent any eagle or hawk, even the Bald Eagle, which actually has a much weaker chirping call.

Good to Fair condition. There is noticeable separation in the barbs (splits) and some wear along the edges, suggesting it was naturally molted after significant use.