Bald Eagle

This is a large, powerful feather from the wing of an adult Bald Eagle. Adult Bald Eagles are iconic for their white heads and tails contrasted against deep brown body plumage. They possess a massive wingspan (up to 7.5 feet) and a heavy, yellow bill. This secondary feather is a critical component of the bird's broad, plank-like wings used for soaring and carrying heavy prey like salmon or waterfowl.

Uniformly dark chocolate brown to blackish-brown on the dorsal surface. The ventral side is slightly paler with a matte finish. The base of the feather shows distinctive white downy tufts. No banding is visible, confirming this is from an adult bird (juveniles have mottled white/brown patterns).

Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs on the majority of the vane, providing a wind-resistant surface. The base features a significant cluster of white plumulaceous (downy) barbs for insulation.

The surface is smooth and somewhat glossy on the dorsal side. It feels stiff and waxy, an adaptation for water resistance and structural integrity during high-load flight. The leading edge is firm while the trailing edge is slightly more flexible.

Uniform dark brown color indicative of an adult; broad, rounded tip; thick brown rachis; and a prominent white downy base.

Found near large bodies of open water with an abundance of fish, including lakes, rivers, marshes, and coastal areas. Requires tall, old-growth trees for nesting and roosting.

Widespread across North America, from Alaska and Canada through the contiguous United States to northern Mexico. Many populations are migratory, moving to ice-free waters in winter.

Apex predator and scavenger. They play a vital role in local ecosystems by cycling nutrients from aquatic to terrestrial environments and culling weak or diseased fish and waterfowl.

Golden Eagle (feathers are usually more tapered with a lighter base), Turkey Vulture (feathers have a distinctive two-toned gray/black appearance and a lighter rachis), and juvenile Bald Eagles (which show white mottling throughout the vane).

Bald Eagles build the largest nests of any North American bird; one nest in Florida was recorded at 9.5 feet wide and 20 feet deep. Despite their regal appearance, they are frequent scavengers and often steal food from Ospreys.

The feather appears to be in Good to Excellent condition. There is minimal wear on the edges, and the pennaceous vane remains fully zipped. No evidence of fault bars or significant sun bleaching.