Golden Eagle

This is a majestic tail feather from a Golden Eagle, one of the largest and most powerful raptors in North America. The bird itself is chocolate brown with golden-buff feathers on the nape, a massive wingspan reaching 7 feet, and a soaring flight profile featuring a slight dihedral.

Predominantly dark sepia brown with subtle grayish-brown mottling or banding at the base. The dark terminal band is typical of mature birds.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs throughout most of the vane for structural integrity; plumulaceous (downy) base for insulation.

Firm, smooth, and aerodynamic. The dorsal surface has a slight matte sheen with a stiff, resilient vane built for steering in flight.

Large size, dark terminal coloration, extremely stiff rachis, and subtle basal mottling characteristic of an adult or sub-adult Aquila species.

Open and semi-open country, mountains, plateaus, and rimrock. Prefers cliffs for nesting and expansive areas for hunting.

Holarctic distribution. Found throughout the Northern Hemisphere including North America, Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. High-latitude populations are migratory.

Apex predator that regulates populations of small to medium mammals. Sensitive to habitat fragmentation and lead poisoning, making them important indicator species.

Bald Eagle (Immature): Distinguished by more extensive white mottling. Turkey Vulture: Lighter weight with silver-grey undersides and thinner rachis.

Golden Eagles can dive at speeds exceeding 150 miles per hour and are known to take down prey as large as young deer and mountain goats.

Excellent condition. The vane is intact without significant fraying or fault bars; likely a freshly molted feather used in a ceremonial context.