Golden Eagle

This is a massive, powerful feather from one of the world's most formidable predators. The Golden Eagle is a large, dark brown raptor with a wingspan reaching up to 7.5 feet. Adults have a golden wash on the nape, while juveniles show clear white patches in the wings and the base of the tail.

Rich golden-brown to dark chocolate brown base with a distinct white or pale buffy area at the base of the vanes. This 'white window' pattern is diagnostic for immature/sub-adult Golden Eagles. The distal end is dark, almost blackish-brown.

Densely pennaceous and tightly interlocked for aerodynamic flight; stiff barbs with hooklets; lower section near the calamus shows some plumulaceous (downy) barbs.

Extremely stiff and rigid vane with a semi-glossy, smooth surface. The leading edge is particularly sharp and stiff to cut through the air.

Large size, dramatic asymmetry, emarginated leading edge, and the characteristic white basal 'flash' indicative of a juvenile or sub-adult plumage.

Open and semi-open country, often in mountainous regions, canyons, rimrock, and riverside cliffs. They favor areas with high thermal activity for soaring.

Widespread across the Northern Hemisphere. Found throughout North America (primarily West), Eurasia, and parts of North Africa. Many populations are year-round residents; northernmost birds migrate south.

Apex predator; helps regulate populations of medium-sized mammals like jackrabbits and marmots. They serve as an important indicator species for ecosystem health and lead contamination.

Bald Eagle (immature) - usually lacks the clean white 'window' on primaries and has more mottled white throughout; Turkey Vulture - feathers are much lighter and lack the same structural rigidity.

Golden Eagles are capable of killing prey as large as deer and small antelope. They can reach speeds of 150-200 mph during a diving stoop.

Good to Fair. There is some noticeable wear (fraying) along the trailing edge and the tip, suggesting it was molted naturally after a full season of use.