Canada Goose (alternate names include Honker or Northern Canada Goose)
Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Aves; Order: Anseriformes; Family: Anatidae; Genus: Branta; Species: Branta canadensis
Family: Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Swans)
- Shape
- Highly asymmetrical with a very narrow, stiff outer vane and a broad inner vane. Elongated and slightly curved with a rounded-to-blunt tip.
- Size
- Approximately 25-30 cm (10-12 inches) in length. This is consistent with a primary feather from a large adult Canada Goose.
- Rarity
- Very Common. One of the most widespread and easily recognizable birds in North America.
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Description
This is a primary flight feather from the Canada Goose, a large waterfowl with a distinctive black head and neck and a white 'cheek' patch. They are famous for their V-shaped flight formations and loud honking calls. The bird itself has a wingspan of up to 5.5 feet.
Colour & Pattern
Solid brownish-black to dark charcoal grey. The dorsal surface is darker and more matte, while the trailing edge of the inner vane may show slight lightening. The rachis is dark but transition to a lighter cream/white at the calamus base.
Barb Structure
Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs designed for aerodynamic force. The barbs are tightly zipped via barbicels, with a small plumulaceous section near the base of the calamus.
Texture & Surface
Very stiff and durable. The surface is smooth with a slight waxy bloom that provides water resistance, a characteristic of waterfowl feathers.
Key Features
Large size, dark brownish-grey to black coloration, extreme asymmetry of the vanes, and a very stiff, thick rachis.
Habitat
Found in a wide variety of habitats near water, including lakes, ponds, bays, marshes, and increasingly in urban parks, golf courses, and agricultural fields.
Geographic Range
Native to Arctic and temperate regions of North America; widely introduced to Europe, New Zealand, and South America. Many populations are migratory, though urban residents are often sedentary.
Ecological Role
Primary grazers that influence vegetation structure. They serve as a prey species for large carnivores and contribute to nutrient cycling through their droppings.
Similar Species
Similar to Greater White-fronted Goose (smaller, lighter brown) or Mute Swan (pure white). The Snow Goose has white primaries with black tips, making the solid dark color of this feather distinctive to the Canada Goose.
Interesting Facts
Canada Geese can travel over 1,000 miles in a single day during migration. They are also known for 'assortative mating,' typically choosing mates of similar size.
Condition Notes
Good condition. There is minor fraying at the tip and along the margins of the inner vane, likely due to natural wear before molting. No visible fault bars.