How to Identify a Red-Tailed Hawk Feathers – Expert Tips 

Have you ever found a feather and wondered what kind of bird it came from? Identifying feathers can be a fun and interesting hobby, and it can also provide valuable information about the birds and their habitats. Red-tailed hawk feathers are some of the most distinctive and sought-after feathers, but how can you tell if a feather is from a red-tailed hawk?

Red-tailed hawks are large, powerful birds of prey that are found throughout much of North and Central America. They have reddish-brown feathers on their upper parts and pale underparts, with a distinctive red tail that gives them their name. Red-tailed hawk feathers are relatively large and have a broad, rounded shape with a smoothly curved shaft.

If you’re interested in learning how to identify red-tailed hawk feathers, read on for some tips and techniques that can help you distinguish these beautiful feathers from others. 

Whether you’re a bird watcher, a nature enthusiast, or a collector of feathers, identifying red-tailed hawk feathers can be a rewarding and educational experience. 

So why not give it a try and see if you can spot the differences that make these feathers so unique?

Physical Characteristics of Red-tailed Hawk Feathers

Red-tailed hawk feathers are an important part of the bird’s anatomy, providing insulation, protection, and flight. 

These feathers come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, and each type serves a different function.

Size and shape: 

Red-tailed hawk feathers range in size from small down feathers to large primary feathers. 

The down feathers are short and fluffy, and they provide insulation to keep the bird warm. 

The primary feathers are long and narrow, and they are located on the leading edge of the wings. 

These feathers are essential for flight, as they help the bird generate lift and control its direction.

Color: 

Red-tailed hawk feathers come in a range of colors, including brown, black, white, and reddish-brown. 

The body feathers are mostly brown, with darker brown markings on the upper parts and lighter brown markings on the underparts. 

The wings and tail feathers are darker, with black bars and white patches. The red tail is the most distinctive feature of the red-tailed hawk, and it is visible from a distance.

Unique features: 

In addition to their size, shape, and color, red-tailed hawk feathers have several unique features that help identify them. 

The red tail is the most obvious feature, and it is present in both males and females. 

The dark bars on the underside of the wings are another characteristic marking, and they are visible when the bird is in flight. 

The white patches on the upper wings are also distinctive, and they are visible when the bird spreads its wings.

What Do Red-Tailed Hawk Feathers Look Like?

Red-tailed hawk feathers are an important part of the bird’s anatomy, providing insulation, protection, and flight. These feathers come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, and each type serves a different function.

In general, red-tailed hawk feathers are brown, black, white, and reddish-brown in color. The body feathers are mostly brown, with darker brown markings on the upper parts and lighter brown markings on the under parts. 

The wings and tail feathers are darker, with black bars and white patches. The red tail is the most distinctive feature of the red-tailed hawk, and it is visible from a distance.

Here is a table summarizing the color and characteristics of red-tailed hawk feathers:

Feather Metadata		Feather Total Length	Feather Vane Length
Specimen Number:	BRD 1796	Feather 1: (R6)	22.5 cm	Feather 1: (R6)	20.3 cm
Common Name:	Red-tailed Hawk	Feather 2: (R5)	22.9 cm	Feather 2: (R5)	20.0 cm
Latin Name:	Buteo jamaicensis	Feather 3: (R4)	23.1 cm	Feather 3: (R4)	20.0 cm
Order:	Accipitriformes	Feather 4: (R3)	23.4 cm	Feather 4: (R3)	20.0 cm
Family:	Accipitridae	Feather 5: (R2)	23.4 cm	Feather 5: (R2)	19.9 cm
Feather Type:	Rectrices	Feather 6: (R1)	22.8 cm	Feather 6: (R1)	19.0 cm
Sex:	Male	Feather 7:	N/A	Feather 7:	N/A
Age:	Adult	Feather 8:	N/A	Feather 8:	N/A
County:	Jackson	Feather 9:	N/A	Feather 9:	N/A
State:	Oregon	Feather 10:	N/A	Feather 10:	N/A
Country:	USA	Feather 11:	N/A	Feather 11:	N/A
Institution:	National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Lab	Feather 12:	N/A	Feather 12:	N/A

Where To Find Red-Tailed Hawk Feathers

Red-tailed hawk feathers can be found in a variety of locations, depending on the season and the bird’s behavior. Some of the most common places to find these feathers include the bird’s nest, hunting perches, and molting sites.

Bird’s Nest:

Red-tailed hawks build large nests out of sticks, twigs, and other materials, and these nests can be found in trees, on cliffs, or on man-made structures. 

The nests are usually located in a prominent position, such as on a high tree or a tall building, and they are often visible from a distance. 

If you find a red-tailed hawk nest, you may be able to find some feathers in or around the nest.

Hunting Perch: 

Red-tailed hawks are skilled hunters, and they often perch on high trees, poles, or other structures to scan the ground for prey. 

These hunting perches are usually located near open areas, such as fields, grasslands, or roads, where the bird can easily spot potential prey. 

If you find a red-tailed hawk hunting perch, you may be able to find some feathers on the ground near the perch.

Molting Sites: 

Red-tailed hawks shed their feathers periodically, and they often do this at specific molting sites. These sites may be located in the bird’s territory, and they are often used by multiple birds. 

If you find a molting site, you may be able to find a large number of feathers, including body feathers, wing feathers, and tail feathers.

In addition to these natural sources, red-tailed hawk feathers can also be found in collections or online marketplaces. These feathers may have been shed naturally, or they may have been harvested from the bird. 

If you are interested in acquiring red-tailed hawk feathers from these sources, it is important to make sure that they are obtained ethically and legally.

Overall, red-tailed hawk feathers can be found in a variety of locations, and with a little bit of patience and observation, you can spot these beautiful feathers in the wild.

How To Collect Red-Tailed Hawk Feathers Safely And Ethically

Red-tailed hawk feathers are beautiful and fascinating, and many people are interested in collecting them. However, it is important to collect these feathers safely and ethically, to avoid harming the birds or violating any laws.

Here are some tips on how to collect red-tailed hawk feathers safely and ethically:

Obtain Permission: 

If you want to collect red-tailed hawk feathers on private property, it is important to obtain permission from the landowner. This will ensure that you are not trespassing, and it will also help to build good relationships with the people who live and work on the land.

Avoid Disturbing The Bird Or Its Nest: 

Red-tailed hawks are protected by law, and it is illegal to harm or disturb these birds. If you find a red-tailed hawk nest, do not approach it or try to collect feathers from it. 

This can disturb the birds and potentially harm the chicks. Instead, look for feathers that have already been shed, or that have fallen to the ground.

Label And Store The Feathers Properly: 

Once you have collected red-tailed hawk feathers, it is important to label and store them properly. This will help you to identify the feathers later, and it will also help to protect them from damage. 

You can use a simple system, such as labeling the feathers with the date, location, and any other relevant information. 

You can also store the feathers in a protective container, such as a plastic bag or a box, to keep them safe and clean.

Overall, collecting red-tailed hawk feathers can be a rewarding and educational experience, but it is important to do so safely and ethically. 

By following these tips, you can enjoy collecting red-tailed hawk feathers without harming the birds

Last Minute Thoughts!

In conclusion, red-tailed hawk feathers are beautiful and unique, and they can provide valuable insights into the biology and behavior of these fascinating birds. 

By learning how to identify red-tailed hawk feathers, you can better appreciate the beauty and diversity of these birds, and you can also contribute to the scientific understanding of these animals.

To identify red-tailed hawk feathers, you can use a combination of visual clues, such as the size, shape, color, and markings of the feathers. You can also refer to field guides and other resources, to help you compare the feathers to other species and confirm your identification.

When collecting red-tailed hawk feathers, it is important to do so safely and ethically, to avoid harming the birds or violating any laws. By following proper guidelines and regulations, you can enjoy collecting red-tailed hawk feathers without harming the birds or their habitats.

Overall, red-tailed hawk feathers are a fascinating and beautiful aspect of these magnificent birds, and by learning how to identify and collect them, you can deepen your appreciation and understanding of these amazing animals.