Bald Eagle (American Eagle)

A magnificent dark contour feather featuring a striking white tip characteristic of immature Bald Eagle plumage, reflecting the powerful build and majestic nature of North America's iconic raptor.

Dark brownish-black base with a stark, clean white tip, melanin-pigmented, featuring a robust light-colored rachis.

Pennaceous upper vane with tightly interlocked barbs and barbicels, transitioning to a plumulaceous (fluffy) base with a small afterfeather.

Stiff and smooth along the vane with a glossy upper surface and a soft, fluffy downy base.

Contrasting dark brown body with a distinct white tip, strong pale rachis, and semi-downy base typical of large Accipitridae coverts.

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 down through the United States to northern Mexico.

Apex predator that helps maintain the health and balance of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), which lacks the clean white tip on body coverts and has more uniform brown tones.

Immature Bald Eagles take up to five years to attain their iconic all-white head and tail plumage, wearing mottled brown and white feathers in their youth.

Good condition with minor wear at the very tip, barbs mostly intact and well-aligned.