Bald Eagle
Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Aves; Order: Accipitriformes; Family: Accipitridae; Genus: Haliaeetus; Species: Haliaeetus leucocephalus · Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Old World Vultures) · Primary flight feather (remex), likely P6 or P7 from the wing
Species
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Feather Type
Primary flight feather (remex), likely P6 or P7 from the wing
Family
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Old World Vultures)
Shape
Highly asymmetrical vane; elongated with a tapered, slightly rounded tip; distinctive emargination (notching) on the leading edge for aerodynamic lift
Size
Estimated 14-16 inches (35-40 cm) in length. This is consistent with the outer primaries of a large female Bald Eagle, which are typically larger than males.
Rarity
Common in appropriate habitat. While once endangered, they have made a significant recovery and are now frequently seen across much of their range.
Color & Pattern
Uniform dark chocolate brown to blackish-brown consistent with an adult or sub-adult plumage. The base near the calamus shows a transition to whitish-tan. No banding is visible, suggesting an older bird rather than a juvenile.
Barb Structure
Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs with strong barbicels (hooklets) providing a rigid, air-resistant surface; plumulaceous (fluffy) downy barbs present only at the very base of the calamus
Texture & Surface
Stiff, smooth, and somewhat glossy on the dorsal surface; matte and slightly paler on the ventral surface. The vane is very rigid to withstand high wind pressure during soaring.
Description
This is a massive flight feather from North America's iconic national bird. The Bald Eagle is a large raptor with a wingspan of 6 to 7.5 feet. Adults are famous for their white heads and tails contrasting with dark brown bodies, while this feather's uniform dark color indicates it likely came from the wing of a mature individual.
Key Features
Large size, extreme asymmetry, thick pale-colored rachis at the base, and a deep notch (emargination) on the leading edge near the tip.
Habitat
Found near large bodies of open water (lakes, rivers, coastal estuaries) with abundant fish and tall trees for nesting and roosting.
Geographic Range
Widespread across North America, from Alaska and Canada throughout the contiguous United States to northern Mexico. Northern populations are migratory.
Condition Notes
Good condition. There is minor fraying at the tip and some separation of the barbs (splits), likely due to natural wear or 'zipper' failure after falling. No significant fault bars or parasite damage visible.
Interesting Facts
Bald Eagles build the largest nests of any North American bird; one nest found in Florida was 9.5 feet wide and 20 feet deep, weighing over two tons.
Ecological Role
Apex predator and opportunistic scavenger; plays a vital role in regulating fish and waterfowl populations and cleaning up carrion.
Similar Species
Golden Eagle (Haliaeetus feathers are generally darker/more uniform than juvenile Golden Eagles which have white bases); Turkey Vulture (Vulture feathers have a distinct bicolor grey/black look and thinner rachis).