Bald Eagle (American Eagle)

A magnificent large black-and-white tail feather from an adult Bald Eagle. The bird itself is a large raptor with a dark brown body, distinctive white head and tail, and a bright yellow hooked bill.

Pure white feather tip transitioning sharply into deep, solid blackish-brown across the remainder of the vane. This represents a classic adult Bald Eagle tail feather.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous structure with well-developed barbicels and hooklets providing high structural rigidity. No afterfeather is present.

Smooth, stiff, and semi-glossy with high structural rigidity to withstand aerodynamic forces during flight and perching.

Sharp, distinct demarcation between a solid white tip and deep blackish-brown lower vane, combined with large size and robust 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 down through the contiguous United States and into northern Mexico.

Apex avian predator playing a vital role in maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems by preying on fish, waterfowl, and scavenging carrion.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), whose tail feathers often feature mottled brown and grayish banding rather than a clean solid white-and-black contrast.

The Bald Eagle is the national bird and symbol of the United States. Despite the name 'bald', they are fully feathered on the head; the name comes from an old English word meaning 'white-headed'.

Good condition with intact barbs and minimal fraying at the tip, showing a naturally molted specimen.