Canada Goose

A large waterfowl with a distinctive black head and neck and a white 'chinstrap.' This feather is the dark, sturdy part of the tail that gives the bird its characteristic silhouette in flight. Canada Geese are known for their V-formation flight and loud 'honking' calls.

Uniformly dark brown to charcoal black on the dorsal surface; slightly paler grey on the underside. The rachis is off-white to cream-colored near the base, darkening toward the tip.

Solidly interlocked pennaceous barbs on the upper 80% to provide aerodynamic stability; plumulaceous (downy) barbs present at the base (superior umbilicus) for insulation.

Smooth, stiff, and somewhat oily; the surface is designed for water repellency (preen oil) and durability against wind resistance.

Uniform dark brown/black coloration, thick white calamus at the base, and a very stiff, flat pennaceous vane typical of large waterfowl tail feathers.

Found in a wide variety of habitats including lakes, ponds, marshes, fields, urban parks, golf courses, and agricultural lands.

Native to Arctic and temperate regions of North America; migrates to Mexico and Northern Europe; introduced to many other parts of the world.

Primary grazer; they help cycle nutrients from aquatic to terrestrial environments but can become overabundant in urban areas due to lack of predators.

Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii) which has smaller feathers, or the Mute Swan (Cygnus olor), though swan feathers are typically pure white.

Canada Geese usually mate for life and are highly protective of their nests; they have been known to attack humans or dogs that get too close to their goslings.

Good condition; minor fraying at the edges indicates natural wear and tear or 'weathering' before molting. The calamus is clear, suggesting a natural molt.