Bald Eagle

A massive raptor, the adult is iconic with a white head and tail contrasting with a dark brown body. They have a wingspan of 6-7.5 feet and a heavy, yellow beak.

Uniformly dark chocolate brown to brownish-black; the rachis (shaft) is often darker on the dorsal side and lighter/pithy on the ventral side; no banding present, indicative of an adult or late-stage sub-adult bird.

Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs providing a rigid, air-resistant surface; plumulaceous (downy) barbs at the very base for insulation.

Smooth, stiff, and somewhat glossy on the dorsal surface; matte and slightly paler on the ventral surface; feels broad and exceptionally rigid.

Large size, dark uniform coloration, prominent emargination of the leading vane, and extreme stiffness of the rachis.

Near large bodies of open water with an abundance of fish, such as lakes, large rivers, and coastal estuaries; requires tall, old-growth trees for nesting.

North America, ranging from Alaska and Canada throughout the contiguous United States to northern Mexico.

Apex predator and scavenger; helps regulate fish and waterfowl populations and cleans up carrion.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) - primary feathers are similar but often show more mottling or a different base shape; Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) - feathers are lighter and have a more silver-grey sheen on the underside.

Bald Eagles build the largest nests of any North American bird, sometimes reaching 13 feet deep and weighing a metric ton.

Excellent; shows minimal wear or fraying, suggesting a relatively recent molt.