Bald Eagle (American Eagle)

The Bald Eagle is North America's iconic raptor, instantly recognizable in adulthood by its snow-white head and tail contrasting with a dark brown body and striking yellow bill. This particular contour feather showcases the dramatic transition zone from the eagle's dark brown body plumage to its brilliant white breast and mantle feathers.

Striking bicolored pattern with a solid dark brown/black tip and a stark white base, featuring a robust white rachis

Pennaceous at the distal dark tip transitioning to a plumulaceous, fluffy white base with a distinct downy afterfeather

Smooth and firm at the dark distal vane, soft and downy at the proximal base, matte finish with no iridescence

Sharp contrast between deep dark brown/black distal vane and pure white proximal base with a sturdy white shaft

Found near large bodies of open water with old-growth trees for nesting, including lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and coastal marine areas

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

Apex avian predator playing a crucial role in maintaining healthy aquatic and riparian ecosystems by managing fish and small mammal populations

Golden Eagle, though Golden Eagles lack the stark white base on body covert feathers and feature different juvenile tail and wing patterns

Bald Eagles can dive for fish at speeds up to 100 miles per hour and build the largest tree nests ever recorded for any animal species, sometimes weighing over two tons

Good condition with intact barbs, minor natural wear at the very edge of the tip, typical of a naturally molted adult body feather