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Bald Eagle (American Eagle)
Body contour or covert feather, possibly a major upper secondary covert or flank feather

Bald Eagle (American Eagle)

Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Accipitriformes, Family: Accipitridae, Genus: Haliaeetus, Species: H. leucocephalus

Family: Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)

Shape
Symmetrical vane with a rounded tip, broad outline, tapering smoothly toward the base with fluffy downy barbs at the proximal end
Size
Approximately 7-9 inches long, consistent with a large covert feather from a mature Bald Eagle
Rarity
Common in suitable habitats across its range following significant population recoveries
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Description

A magnificent large contour feather from the Bald Eagle, featuring a striking color split of dark chocolate brown and pristine white downy base, reflecting the iconic plumage of North America's national bird

Colour & Pattern

Rich chocolate brown distally, transitioning to a lighter grayish-brown midsection and a stark white fluffy base, featuring a strong central white rachis near the base that fades to dark brown toward the tip

Barb Structure

Pennaceous vane distally with tightly interlocked barbicels, transitioning to plumulaceous (fluffy, downy) barbs proximally at the base without a distinct afterfeather

Texture & Surface

Smooth, matte finish with stiff, resilient pennaceous barbs at the tip and soft, fluffy downy barbs at the base

Key Features

Rich brown upper vane contrasting sharply with a fluffy white base and a stout rachis transitioning from white to dark brown

Habitat

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

Geographic Range

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

Ecological Role

Apex avian predator playing a crucial role in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems by removing sick or dead fish and waterfowl

Similar Species

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), which typically has more uniform dark brown feathers or golden-brown hackles without the stark white base typical of many Bald Eagle contour feathers

Interesting Facts

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

Condition Notes

Good overall condition with minor wear at the edges and a small white speck/debris on the surface, grading as Good