Golden Eagle (Juvenile/Immature) / Likely secondary-market or replica imitation
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Accipitriformes, Family: Accipitridae, Genus: Aquila, Species: chrysaetos · Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Allies) · Flight (Remiges), specifically secondary feathers from the wing.
Species
Aquila chrysaetos
Feather Type
Flight (Remiges), specifically secondary feathers from the wing.
Family
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Allies)
Shape
Broadly asymmetrical with a rounded-to-obovate tip and a slight taper toward the base.
Size
Estimated 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) in length, which is consistent with the secondary flight feathers of a large raptor.
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare depending on the specific region; highly protected globally.
Color & Pattern
Dark brownish-grey to charcoal with a subtle, dark subterminal band. The base shows a slight pale/mottled transition toward white, which is characteristic of immature Golden Eagles.
Barb Structure
Pennaceous and tightly interlocked with visible barbules. The texture appears somewhat coarse, typical of large soaring birds.
Texture & Surface
Matte to slightly glossy surface. The vane is stiff and rigid to withstand high-altitude flight pressures.
Description
An iconic bird of prey, the Golden Eagle has a wingspan of up to 7.5 feet. Its feathers are designed for power and soaring. Immature birds show white patches at the base of primary/secondary feathers and a white tail with a dark band.
Key Features
Large size, dark grey-brown coloration, thick rachis, and the subtle pale coloration at the proximal end of the vane.
Habitat
Open and semi-open country, mountains, plateaus, and cliffs from sea level up to high alpine regions.
Geographic Range
Found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, across North America, Eurasia, and parts of North Africa.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair. Some splitting of the barbs is visible on the edges, and the presence of ribbon and wood suggests they are part of a fan or ceremonial object.
Interesting Facts
Golden Eagles can reach diving speeds of up to 150-200 miles per hour and are capable of taking down prey as large as small deer or mountain goats.
Ecological Role
Apex predator that controls mammalian populations and serves as an indicator species for environmental toxins and habitat health.
Similar Species
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) secondaries are generally darker without the specific Golden Eagle mottling pattern; Turkey Vulture feathers have a lighter silvery sheen on the underside.