Bald Eagle

This is a primary flight feather from one of the world's most recognizable raptors. The bird itself is massive, with a wingspan reaching up to 7.5 feet. Adults possess the iconic white head and tail with a dark brown body, while juveniles are mottled brown. In flight, they hold their wings flat like a plank.

Uniformly dark chocolate brown to brownish-black. The color is consistent with an adult or older sub-adult bird. The ventral (under) side lacks the gloss of the dorsal side and appears slightly paler. No banding is present.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs throughout most of the vane for aerobic efficiency, transitioning to a small plumulaceous (downy) section at the base (superior umbilicus).

Stiff and somewhat coarse to the touch. The dorsal surface has a slight waxy gloss for water resistance, while the leading edge is extremely rigid to withstand high aerodynamic pressure.

Large size, dark uniform coloration, thick rachis, and the very deep, characteristic emargination on the outer vane which reduces drag at the wingtips.

Found primarily near large bodies of open water (coasts, rivers, large lakes) with an abundance of fish and tall trees for nesting and roosting.

Native to North America, ranging from Alaska and Canada throughout the contiguous United States to northern Mexico. Many populations are migratory, moving south if their water sources freeze.

Apex predator and scavenger. They play a vital role in cleaning up carrion and regulating fish and waterfowl populations.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) feathers are very similar but often show a light 'marbling' or white base in younger birds; Turkey Vulture feathers have a lighter, silver-grey sheen on the underside of the flight feathers.

Bald Eagles build the largest nests of any North American bird, sometimes reaching weights of over a ton. Despite being a symbol of strength, they are often 'pirates,' stealing fish from smaller Ospreys.

Good to Fair. There is some separation of the barbs (splits) visible along the trailing edge, likely due to natural wear or post-molt handling. The calamus appears intact.