Likely Red-tailed Hawk (also Red-tail); identification is tentative from this single feather.

The feather is a narrow, pale, dark-barred raptor feather, but the image does not support a confident species-level identification. Red-tailed Hawks are large, broad-winged soaring hawks with variable plumage; adults often show a rusty-red tail, while juveniles have banded tails.

Buffy cream ground with irregular dark brown transverse bars and mottling. The pattern resembles a buteo hawk feather, but is not diagnostic of Red-tailed Hawk; surface lighting may affect the apparent tone.

Pennaceous vanes with closely aligned barbs; the base shows loose, downy barbs and some fraying.

A straight, dark gray-brown central rachis runs nearly the full length. Barbs form pale and dark bands, with loosened barbs near the base.

Matte, soft-looking base and firmer, interlocking vane; the tip and edges appear worn or slightly frayed.

Probably tail, based on its elongated, symmetric outline and broad dark bands; a single feather is insufficient for certainty.

Pale ground color, repeated dark crossbars, and a long, apparently symmetric outline suggest a hawk tail feather. The red tail typical of adult Red-tailed Hawks is not visible, so the species assignment remains uncertain.

If from a Red-tailed Hawk: open country, woodland edges, grasslands, deserts, and urban areas; it commonly nests in trees or on cliffs and hunts from perches or while soaring.

Red-tailed Hawks occur widely across North America, from Alaska and Canada to Central America; many northern birds migrate south, while others remain year-round.

Red-tailed Hawks are important predators of rodents and other small animals and can indicate the health of open and edge habitats. The species is widespread and generally secure, though local populations face hazards such as vehicle collisions and rodenticide exposure.

Other Buteo hawks, including Red-shouldered and Rough-legged Hawks, can have barred feathers; tail pattern, feather position, location, and a complete set are needed to distinguish them reliably.

Red-tailed Hawks often use soaring flight and keen eyesight to locate prey, and their raspy scream is widely used in film soundtracks for eagles and other raptors.

Raptor feathers have cultural significance for some Indigenous peoples, but possession and trade may be legally restricted. In the United States, most native raptor feathers are protected; do not collect or keep this specimen without checking local laws.

Photograph both sides beside a ruler and compare with regional feather guides; note whether other feathers nearby form a matching tail or wing set. Avoid collecting feathers from protected birds or areas.

Base and edges are frayed, with possible tip wear; no clear evidence of active growth or contamination. Overall condition: fair; age and molt stage cannot be determined.