Bald Eagle (American Eagle)

A magnificent large dark primary flight feather featuring a striking color gradient from a deep brownish-black tip down to a brilliant white shaft and base, characteristic of an adult bald eagle.

Dark brownish-black to charcoal black across the distal two-thirds, transitioning to a mottled greyish-brown and pure stark white base near the calamus, with a prominent thick white rachis.

Strongly pennaceous with tightly interlocked barbs and barbicels providing high rigidity for flight, featuring a clean, intact structure and a short fluffy plumulaceous base.

Stiff, smooth, and semi-glossy on the upper surface with strong rigidity along the leading edge and a more flexible trailing edge.

Large size, stark contrast between dark distal vane and bright white proximal portion, robust white rachis, and pronounced asymmetry with an outer emargination.

Large bodies of open water such as lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and coastal areas with old-growth trees for nesting and perching.

North America, primarily inhabiting Canada, the continental United States, and Alaska, down into northern Mexico.

Apex avian predator playing a vital role in maintaining aquatic ecosystem health by removing sick or dead fish and small mammals.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), which lacks the extensive bright white base on adult flight feathers and has a darker, more uniform brown rachis.

Bald eagles can reach speeds of up to 100 mph during a diving swoop for fish and build the largest tree nests known for any animal.

Excellent condition with intact barbs, clean edges, minimal wear, and vibrant coloration indicating a recently molted adult feather.