Bald Eagle (American Eagle)

The Bald Eagle is a majestic sea eagle easily recognized by its dark brown body and brilliant white head and tail in adults. It has a powerful hook-shaped yellow bill and broad, flat wings designed for soaring.

Uniform dark grayish-brown to blackish coloration with a pale whitish base and a stark white or very light cream-colored rachis

Tightly interlocked pennaceous vane with strong barbicels, transitioning to fluffy plumulaceous down at the proximal base

Sturdy, thick central rachis that is pale ivory-white, highly rigid, and tapering toward the tip; barbs are densely packed and uniform

Stiff, smooth, and semi-glossy on the pennaceous upper vane, with a soft, downy texture near the basal insertion point

Wing, specifically a secondary flight feather based on the broad, rounded shape and uniform width

Large size, dark brownish-grey vane, contrasting thick white or pale ivory rachis, and whitish downy base

Found near large bodies of open water with an abundant food supply and old-growth trees for nesting

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

Apex avian predator playing a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems by removing sick or dead fish

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), whose flight feathers often feature more distinct dark barring and brownish rachises

Despite their name, Bald Eagles are not actually bald; the name comes from an older meaning of the word 'piebald,' meaning white-headed

Deeply sacred in many Native American cultures, where feathers are used in religious and spiritual ceremonies

Look near large lakes, rivers, or coastal roost trees, especially beneath active nesting platforms

Good condition with intact barbs and minimal fraying, showing standard wear at the very tip