Canada Goose (also known as Wild Goose or Canadian Goose)

This is a large flight feather from a Canada Goose, a bird known for its iconic black head and neck with a white 'chinstrap'. The bird has a massive wingspan (up to 5.5 feet) and is famous for its 'V' flight formation and loud honking vocalization.

Uniform dark brownish-black to charcoal gray on the dorsal surface. The ventral side is slightly lighter and more matte. No banding or spots are present, which is characteristic of adult Canada Goose primaries.

Densely pennaceous and tightly interlocked with hooklets for flight stability. The base shows some plumulaceous (downy) barbs for insulation. The vane is stiff and integrated.

Smooth, stiff, and somewhat oily to the touch for water resistance. The trailing edge is slightly more flexible than the rigid leading edge.

Large size, dark uniform coloration, ivory-colored thick rachis, and extreme asymmetry of the vane typical of outer primaries in large waterfowl.

Extremely varied; found in wetlands, lakes, rivers, marshes, as well as grain fields, city parks, and suburban lawns.

Native to North America; breeds from the Arctic to the southern United States. Highly migratory, though many urban populations are now year-round residents. Introduced to Europe and New Zealand.

Primary consumer/herbivore; they graze on grasses and grains. They are important prey for large predators and can act as seed dispersers.

Mute Swan (larger, white), Trumpeter Swan (larger, white), Sandhill Crane (more gray, different texture), Black Vulture (different shape and rachis color).

Canada Geese often mate for life and are highly protective of their nests. During the post-breeding molt, they lose all their flight feathers at once and are flightless for about a month.

Fair to Good. The feather shows some separation of the barbs (zipping) toward the tip and fraying along the inner vane, likely a naturally molted feather showing seasonal wear.