Likely Red-tailed Hawk (also Redtail)

This is a large barred raptor feather with a pale shaft and contrasting dark-and-light bands. Red-tailed Hawks are broad-winged soaring birds, recognized by their rusty adult tail, dark belly band, piercing scream, and circling flight.

Dark brown to blackish overall, with several pale gray-white barred bands across the inner vane and a darker outer vane; this pattern is compatible with a Red-tailed Hawk secondary, though not diagnostic from one feather.

Pennaceous, with tightly interlocking barbules over most of the vane; the lower shaft has frayed, plumulaceous barbs from wear or decomposition.

Straight, pale gray rachis that thickens toward the base; barbs are dense and relatively stiff above, becoming loose and ragged basally.

Smooth and matte with some subtle gloss in the dark areas; the basal portion is soft, frayed, and weathered rather than intact.

Likely the wing, based on its asymmetry, broad vane, and dark transverse barring.

Broad asymmetrical wing-feather shape, dark brown coloration, pale cross-barring, and substantial rachis; exact species identification is limited because many Buteo feathers overlap.

Open country, woodland edges, farmland, deserts, and suburban landscapes; commonly nests in large trees, cliffs, or tall structures.

Widespread across North America, Central America, and parts of the Caribbean; northern populations may migrate, while many temperate populations are resident.

A high-level predator of rodents, rabbits, birds, and reptiles, it helps regulate prey populations and indicates functioning open-country ecosystems; the species is currently widespread and generally of low conservation concern.

Swainson’s, Ferruginous, Broad-winged, and Red-shouldered Hawk feathers may look similar; precise separation requires feather position, measurements, and comparison with a reference series.

Red-tailed Hawks are among North America’s most familiar raptors and often hunt from roadside poles. Their famous descending scream is frequently used as the stock sound of eagles in films.

Raptor feathers have cultural importance in many Indigenous traditions and are legally protected in the United States; possession of naturally shed feathers generally requires appropriate authorization. They should not be sold or used commercially without permits.

Search beneath regular roosts, nest trees, and favored hunting perches, especially after late-summer molt. Photograph both sides, measure the feather, and compare band spacing and vane proportions rather than relying on color alone.

Fair condition: substantial basal fraying and broken barbs, with no obvious oil contamination or fault bars visible.