Bald Eagle (American Eagle)

A magnificent large raptor feather from a subadult Bald Eagle, showcasing the striking contrast of dark brown and brilliant white that marks its developmental journey toward the iconic white head and tail of the adult

Bicolored pattern featuring a clean stark white base with a sharp, contrasting dark brown/black terminal patch, characteristic of subadult Bald Eagle plumage

Tightly interlocked pennaceous structure with well-developed barbicels and hooklets, creating a strong, wind-resistant surface

Stiff, smooth, and aerodynamic with a matte finish on the dark portions and slightly powdery texture on the white base

Large size, robust white rachis, and the striking block of dark brown at the tip contrasting against a pristine white vane

Found near large bodies of open water with an abundant food supply and old-growth trees for nesting, including lakes, rivers, coasts, and marshes

North America, ranging from Alaska and Canada through the contiguous United States to northern Mexico

Apex predator helping maintain balanced aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems by preying on fish, waterfowl, and scavenging carrion

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), which lacks the clean white-and-dark bicolored patterning found on subadult Bald Eagle wing feathers

Bald Eagles build the largest tree nests recorded for any North American animal, sometimes weighing over two tons and used for decades

Good overall condition with minor tip wear and slight fraying at the extreme distal end, typical of a naturally molted feather