Likely Red-tailed Hawk

This is a long, barred feather likely from a medium-to-large raptor. Red-tailed Hawks are broad-winged birds with a distinctive reddish adult tail, though immature birds have barred tails.

Gray-brown feather with several broad dark brown bars and pale gray-white bands. The visible pattern is consistent with a barred raptor feather but is not diagnostic of species.

Pennaceous vanes are mostly intact and interlocked; the lower edge shows some separation or wear. No obvious aftershaft is visible.

A pale, slender central shaft runs through alternating dark and light barred sections; barbs are closely spaced over most of the vane.

Appears matte and softly edged, with a sturdy central shaft and some loosened barbs near the lower portion.

Probably from the tail, based on its broad, regular dark-and-pale crossbars; exact position cannot be determined.

Broad alternating dark and pale bands, pale shaft, and tapered outline suggest a hawk tail feather; the pattern alone cannot establish species.

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

Common across much of North America, with resident and migratory populations; northern birds often move south in winter.

A major predator of small mammals and other prey, the Red-tailed Hawk helps regulate local food webs. The species is widespread and generally considered of low conservation concern.

Barred feathers of other buteos, including Red-shouldered and Broad-winged Hawks, can look similar. Reliable separation often requires feather position, exact measurements, and comparison with reference specimens.

Red-tailed Hawks often hunt from perches and use soaring flight to search for rodents and other prey. Their familiar raspy scream is frequently used in film soundtracks for other raptors.

Raptor feathers have cultural significance in some Indigenous traditions and are subject to legal protections in the United States; possession may require authorization.

Photograph the feather beside a ruler and note where it was found; avoid collecting it until local wildlife laws are checked. Compare band spacing and vane shape with regional raptor-feather references.

Good overall, with some apparent fraying or separation of barbs; no clear fault bars, staining, or severe breakage can be assessed.