Golden Eagle

A magnificent primary feather from a sub-adult Golden Eagle. These birds are massive raptors with wingspans reaching up to 7.5 feet. They are named for the golden-buff feathers on the back of their heads. Immature birds show distinctive white patches in the wings and at the base of the tail, which are clearly visible in the white mottling of this specific feather.

Dark chocolate-brown to near-black distal half. The proximal (base) half features a mottled white and light-grey 'window'. This pattern is highly indicative of a sub-adult (immature) individual, as adults transition to more solid dark brown.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs throughout most of the vane for aerobic flight; plumulaceous (downy) barbs present only at the very base near the calamus.

Stiff, smooth, and slightly glossy. The leading edge is incredibly rigid to withstand high wind pressure during soaring and stooping.

Large size, dark chocolate color, sub-adult white mottling at the base, and deep emargination of the inner vane.

Open and semi-open country, mountain ranges, cliffs, and tundra. They prefer areas with high cliffs for nesting and expansive terrain for hunting.

Widespread across the Northern Hemisphere. Found throughout North America (primarily West), Eurasia, and parts of North Africa. Northern populations are migratory.

Apex predator and scavenger. They play a vital role in controlling populations of medium-sized mammals like jackrabbits and ground squirrels.

Juvenile Bald Eagle feathers (which usually have more extensive, 'messier' white mottling) and Turkey Vulture feathers (which lack the white base and have a different texture).

Golden Eagles are capable of killing prey as large as deer and mountain goats. They can reach speeds of 150-200 mph during a diving stoop. In many Native American cultures, these feathers are among the most sacred of all objects.

Good to Fair. The feather shows significant wear and 'nicking' along the trailing edge, likely from active use or contact with brush before being molted. Some separation of the barbs is visible.