Bald Eagle (American Eagle)

The Bald Eagle is a majestic large raptor easily recognized by its striking white head and tail paired with a dark brown body in adults. They possess powerful hooked yellow beaks, piercing yellow eyes, and massive broad wings adapted for soaring effortlessly over aquatic ecosystems.

Rich dark brown to nearly black coloration with a robust, pale yellowish-white rachis, typical of adult or near-adult body/wing plumage

Tightly interlocked pennaceous structure with strong barbicels, forming a firm, durable vane with minimal wear at the tips

Stiff, durable, smooth, and matte finish with firm rigidity along the vane designed to withstand aerodynamic forces

Large size, very thick pale yellow-white rachis contrasting sharply with dark brown barbs, and rigid pennaceous vane structure

Found near large bodies of open water with an abundant food supply and old-growth trees for nesting, including lakes, rivers, coasts, and marshes

North America, ranging from Alaska and Canada through the contiguous United States down to northern Mexico

Apex predator that helps maintain the health and balance of aquatic ecosystems by preying on fish, waterfowl, and scavenging carrion

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), which tends to have more uniform dark brown feathers sometimes featuring golden-brown hackles or subtle barring

Bald Eagles can reach speeds of up to 100 mph during a steep dive and build the largest nest of any North American bird, sometimes weighing over two tons

Good condition with minor wear along the distal edge, strong rachis, and intact barbs