Likely Red-tailed Hawk (also Chickenhawk); identification is tentative from the single feather

This is a boldly barred brown-and-cream feather with a striking warm-colored shaft. Red-tailed Hawks are large, broad-winged raptors with variable plumage, soaring flight, and a raspy descending call.

Warm buff to cream vanes have broad dark-brown transverse bands, with a vivid orange-brown rachis. This pattern occurs in several raptors and is not diagnostic of Red-tailed Hawk by itself.

The vanes look tightly pennaceous and mostly intact, with a small, fluffy downy base; barbicels are not resolvable in the image.

The rachis is slender and conspicuously orange, with alternating pale and dark bands across the vanes; barbs are closely packed and form a smooth outline.

Appears smooth and matte, with a firm, coherent vane and soft down near the base; surface feel cannot be assessed from the image.

Probably from the wing, based on its elongated shape and asymmetric vanes; the image does not establish primary versus secondary with confidence.

The orange-brown rachis and broad dark bars are conspicuous, but neither uniquely identifies a Red-tailed Hawk; a complete feather and locality would improve identification.

Red-tailed Hawks use open country, woodland edges, farmland, and increasingly urban areas, nesting in trees or on cliffs and structures.

Widespread across North America, with populations from Alaska and Canada through the United States into Mexico and parts of Central America; many northern birds migrate.

Red-tailed Hawks are widespread predators of rodents, rabbits, and other small animals, helping regulate prey populations. The species is common overall, though local threats include habitat loss and collisions.

Barred feathers of other hawks, including Red-shouldered Hawk and Swainson’s Hawk, may look similar. Whole-feather shape, precise banding, size, and geographic location are needed to distinguish them reliably.

Red-tailed Hawks are highly variable in color and often soar in circles on rising warm air. Their familiar scream is frequently used as a sound effect for other eagles and hawks.

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

Compare the feather with regional feather references or a museum collection, recording its length and where it was found. Avoid collecting feathers from protected birds or beneath active nests.

Appears generally intact and in good condition, with no obvious major breakage or severe wear; age and molt status cannot be determined from the photo.