Distribution of eagle remains, parts, and feathers to enrolled members of federally recognized Native American Tribes

Native Americans have long used eagle remains, parts and feathers for religious and cultural purposes, including in ceremonies and as part of traditional regalia. 

Recognizing the significance of eagles to Native Americans, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) established the National Eagle Repository (Repository) in the early 1970s to provide enrolled members of federal recognized Native American Tribes with the remains, parts, and feathers of bald and golden eagles for spiritual and religious use. 

See our Frequently Asked Questions for more information about our processes and procedures.

Current wait times (approximate): 

Wait times are also available in a table format in the "Library" tab. Wait times are updated quarterly. The next update will be published in October 2026. 

Adult golden eagle:

• Whole bird: currently filling orders submitted in January 2018 or earlier
• Pair of wings and tail: currently filling orders submitted in March 2021 or earlier
• Tail only: currently filling orders submitted in May 2021 or earlier
• Wings only: currently filling orders submitted in May 2025 or earlier
• 10 quality loose feathers: currently filling orders submitted in September 2024 or earlier

• 20 miscellaneous loose feathers: currently filling orders submitted in March 2026 or earlier

Immature golden eagle: 

• Whole bird: currently filling orders submitted in June 2014 or earlier
• Pair of wings and tail: currently filling orders submitted in February 2018 or earlier
• Tail only: currently filling orders submitted in November 2015 or earlier
• Wings only: currently filling orders submitted in April 2023 or earlier
• 10 quality loose feathers: currently filling orders submitted in October 2020 or earlier
• 20 miscellaneous loose feathers: currently filling orders submitted in June 2025 or earlier

Adult bald eagle: 

• Whole bird: currently filling orders submitted in August 2022 or earlier
• Pair of wings and tail: currently filling orders submitted in September 2025 or earlier
• Tail only: currently filling orders submitted in March 2026 or earlier
• Wings only: currently filling orders submitted in March 2026 or earlier
• 10 quality loose feathers: currently filling orders submitted in March 2026 or earlier

• 20 miscellaneous loose feathers: currently filling orders submitted in March 2026 or earlier

Immature bald eagle:

• Whole bird: currently filling orders submitted in February 2025 or earlier
• Pair of wings and tail: currently filling orders submitted in December 2025 or earlier
• Tail only: currently filling orders submitted in March 2026 or earlier
• Wings only: currently filling orders submitted in March 2026 or earlier
• 10 quality loose feathers: currently filling orders submitted in March 2026 or earlier
• 20 miscellaneous loose feathers: currently filling orders submitted in March 2026 or earlier

Shipping eagle remains to the National Eagle Repository

To request shipping labels and/or boxes to send eagle remains to the National Eagle Repository, please complete this form.

The National Eagle Repository (Repository) serves as the national collection and distribution point for the remains of deceased bald and golden eagles received by, salvaged by, or in the custody of Federal, Tribal, State, and local officials, members of the public (50 CFR 21.16), and permitted wildlife rehabilitation, education, and zoological facilities. 

Tours and Education Programs

The National Eagle Repository and the National Wildlife Property Repository are served by an Education Program offering facility tours. Reservations are required and the facility is not open to walk-in visitors. All tours are offered free of charge.

• Members of the public not affiliated with any group or organization may register for "First Friday" public tours, occurring the first Friday of each month at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, with the exception of federal holidays. '
• Organized groups (e.g. schools and universities, non-governmental organizations, etc.) can request private tours of our facility. These visits are available Monday through Friday, beginning no earlier than 10:00 AM and no later than 2:00 PM and dependent upon staff availability. 
• We can accommodate approximately 20 people per tour group.
• Due to the sensitive nature of our facility, tours are not available to guests under 13 years of age. 
• Tours last approximately 60 minutes and guests are asked to arrive 15 minutes before their tour's scheduled start time for a brief orientation.
   

Learn more about available options by emailing NEWPR_education@fws.gov or calling (303) 287 2110.