Bald Eagle

This is a primary flight feather from a sub-adult Bald Eagle. Bald Eagles are massive raptors with wingspans reaching up to 7.5 feet. While adults are iconic with their white heads and tails, juveniles and sub-adults transition through several years of mottled brown and white plumage, which is perfectly captured by the base pattern of this feather.

Predominantly dark brown (almost black) with a significant white mottled or 'marbled' pattern toward the base. This indicates the feather belonged to a sub-adult Bald Eagle (roughly 1-3 years old), as mature adults have solid dark flight feathers.

The structure is largely pennaceous with stiff, interlocked barbs held together by microscopic hooklets (barbicels) for flight efficiency. The base (calamus area) shows thinner, plumulaceous (downy) barbs for insulation.

Very stiff and rigid to withstand the aerodynamic pressures of flight. The surface is smooth and somewhat semi-glossy, though older feathers can appear matte due to sun exposure and wear.

Large size, extreme stiffness of the rachis, and the distinctive white mottling against a dark chocolate-brown background characteristic of immature eagles.

Coastal areas, large lakes, rivers, and marshes where fish are abundant. They prefer nesting in tall trees near open water.

Common throughout North America, including most of Canada and Alaska, all of the contiguous United States, and northern Mexico.

Apex predator and scavenger. They play a vital role in regulating fish and waterfowl populations and act as an indicator species for water quality and environmental toxins (like DDT historically).

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) feathers are similar but often have more defined banding or a more grayish-white base; Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) feathers are dark but thinner and lack the white marbling.

Bald Eagles can reach speeds of 75-100 mph during a dive. Their nests are the largest of any North American bird, sometimes weighing up to 1 ton.

Fair to Good. There is significant 'zipper' separation (splits in the vane) and some fraying at the tip, likely caused by impact or natural molt stress. The calamus is intact.