Bald Eagle (American Eagle)

The Bald Eagle is a large raptor easily recognized in adulthood by its iconic white head and tail contrasting with a dark brown body. Immature birds, which these feathers likely represent, are largely dark brown with variable white mottling underneath and on the body.

Dark brownish-black tips and central webs with distinct white mottling and white base areas, characteristic of immature or subadult Bald Eagle plumage.

Pennaceous at the upper portion with tightly interlocked barbs and barbicels, transitioning to a plumulaceous (fluffy) downy base.

Smooth and firm at the distal pennaceous tip, transitioning to soft and fluffy at the base.

Distinctive dark brown and white mottled pattern, robust pale rachis, and the combination of pennaceous and plumulaceous barbs.

Found near large bodies of open water with an abundant food supply and old-growth trees for nesting.

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

Apex predator helping to maintain healthy aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), which features more uniform dark brown feathers without the characteristic white mottling found in immature Bald Eagles.

Bald Eagles can dive for fish at speeds up to 100 miles per hour and build the largest nest of any North American bird.

Good condition with intact barbs and minimal fraying, showing natural color variations typical of a molted covert feather.