Canada Goose

These are large, sturdy wing feathers from a Canada Goose. The bird is a heavy-bodied waterfowl with a long black neck, a white 'cheek' patch, and a brownish-grey body. They are famous for their V-shaped flight formations and loud honking calls.

Uniformly dark grayish-brown to charcoal black on the dorsal surface. The ventral (under) side is a lighter, more silver-gray. There are no banding or spots, which is characteristic of this species' remiges.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs throughout most of the vane for aerodynamic integrity, with a small plumulaceous (downy) section at the very base (calamus).

Smooth, stiff, and somewhat oily to the touch. The surface has a slight matte-to-satiny sheen, providing excellent water resistance and durability for flight.

Large size, dark charcoal/gray-brown color, distinct white rachis, and the extreme asymmetry characteristic of powerful flight feathers in waterfowl.

Found in a wide variety of habitats including lakes, ponds, bays, marshes, fields, and very commonly in urban parks and golf courses.

Native to North America; breeds across Canada and northern USA, wintering throughout most of the United States and Mexico. Introduced widely in Europe and New Zealand.

They are primarily herbivores, grazing on grasses and aquatic plants. They serve as prey for large predators (especially as goslings) and their movements help transport nutrients across ecosystems.

Similar to other large geese (like the Cackling Goose, though smaller) or large gulls. However, the thickness of the rachis and the specific charcoal-brown hue are diagnostic for Branta canadensis.

Canada Geese are known for their strong pair bonds and will often stay with the same mate for life. They are also highly adaptable to human-altered landscapes, which has led to significant population increases in urban areas.

Good condition. There is slight fraying at the tips and edges (mechanical wear), but the vanes are mostly intact. No obvious signs of parasite damage or fault bars.