Golden Eagle

A massive, powerful raptor with a wingspan of up to 7.5 feet. Adults are dark brown with a hallmark golden-buff wash on the nape. This feather reflects the immense scale and power of one of the world's most formidable predators.

Uniform golden-brown to dark chocolate brown with subtle 'marbling' or grayish mottling toward the base, typical of sub-adult or adult Golden Eagles. The dorsal surface shows a characteristic golden-bronze sheen in light.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs transitioning to a small plumulaceous section near the base (calamus); barbs are stiff and provide high aerodynamic lift.

Very stiff and smooth texture with a glossy, almost waxy surface to aid in water repellency and reduce drag during flight.

Large size, specific golden-brown hue without the distinct white base found in immature Bald Eagles, and a thick, rigid rachis.

Open and semi-open country, mountains, plateaus, and rimrock; avoids heavily forested areas.

Widespread across the Northern Hemisphere; found throughout North America, Eurasia, and parts of North Africa. In North America, they are most common in the West.

Apex predator; controls populations of medium-sized mammals like jackrabbits and marmots; serves as an indicator of ecosystem health.

Bald Eagle (immature feathers often have more white/mottling), Turkey Vulture (feathers are darker/blacker and lack the golden sheen).

Golden Eagles can reach speeds of up to 150-200 mph during a dive (stoop), making them one of the fastest animals on Earth.

Fair to Good; shows signs of wear at the tip and some separation of the barbs (zipper effect), suggesting it may be a naturally molted feather.