Domestic Chicken (specifically a Rooster/Cockerel)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Galliformes, Family: Phasianidae, Genus: Gallus, Species: Gallus gallus, Subspecies: G. g. domesticus · Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies) · Hackle or Saddle feather (Contour/Ornamental)
Species
Gallus gallus domesticus
Feather Type
Hackle or Saddle feather (Contour/Ornamental)
Family
Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies)
Shape
Narrowly lanceolate (long, thin, and pointed). The feather is elongated with a sharp, tapered tip and lacks the broad, flat vane of standard flight feathers.
Size
Approximately 3.5 to 5 inches in length and less than 0.25 inches wide. This is consistent with the elongated ornamental feathers found on male poultry.
Rarity
Very Common; chickens are the most populous bird species on Earth.
Color & Pattern
Solid golden-buff to ginger-red coloration. The color is consistent throughout the length, with a slight lightening towards the tip and base. Melanin-based pigments (pheomelanin) provide the warm reddish-orange hue.
Barb Structure
The feather is predominantly plumulaceous (loose and hair-like) towards the edges, lacking the interlocking hooklets (barbicels) that create a solid vane. The central portion is more pennaceous but still very flexible.
Texture & Surface
Silky, soft, and highly flexible. It lacks the stiffness of flight feathers. The surface has a slight natural sheen typical of healthy poultry plumage.
Description
This is an ornamental feather from a male domestic chicken. Roosters are known for their spectacular plumage, which includes elongated, pointed feathers on the neck and saddle to attract mates and display health. This specific feather shows the characteristic 'lanceolate' shape used in breed identification.
Key Features
Elongated lanceolate shape, lack of interlocking barbs (fringed edges), golden-ginger color, and very fine, flexible rachis.
Habitat
Domestic environments including farms, backyards, and agricultural areas. It is a domesticated descendant of the Red Junglefowl of Southeast Asia.
Geographic Range
Global distribution as a domesticated species. Originally derived from species in Southeast Asia (India, Indonesia, Thailand).
Condition Notes
Poor to Fair. The feather shows significant structural separation and bending. The distal (top) half is heavily frayed, suggesting it was molted or pulled from a bird with some wear.
Interesting Facts
Male chickens grow these specialized hackle feathers specifically for display. Interestingly, the specific length and 'taper' of these feathers are key judging criteria in poultry shows and are highly sought after by fly-tying enthusiasts.
Ecological Role
As a domestic animal, their ecological role is human-dependent; however, they serve as prey for various predators. Their wild ancestors are important seed dispersers and insect controllers.
Similar Species
Pheasant (typically have more distinct banding/spotting), Red Junglefowl (nearly identical but rarer in domestic settings), and some ornamental waterfowl.