Canada Goose

A large, heavy-bodied waterbird with a long black neck, distinctive white 'chinstrap,' and brownish back. This primary feather is built for powerful, sustained flight during long migrations.

Uniform dark chocolate brown to brownish-black on the dorsal surface; slightly paler and more matte on the ventral surface. The calamus is semi-translucent white.

Densely packed pennaceous barbs throughout the main vane for aerodynamic integrity; plumulaceous (downy) barbs present only at the very base near the calamus.

Stiff and relatively smooth; the leading edge is very firm to withstand flight pressures. The surface has a slight waxy luster typical of waterfowl.

Significant asymmetry (narrow outer vane), dark uniform brown coloration, large size, and a thick, robust rachis characteristic of heavy waterfowl.

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

Native to North America, breeding across Canada and the northern US; widely migratory, though many urban populations are now year-round residents. Introduced globally.

Primary grazer of grasses and aquatic plants; eggs and goslings are prey for apex predators; their movements help transport nutrients between aquatic and terrestrial systems.

Similar to feathers of the Cackling Goose (smaller) or the Mute Swan (white). Tundra Swan primary feathers are much larger and white.

Canada Geese fly in a V-formation to reduce wind resistance for birds trailing the leader; they are known for their lifelong pair bonds and aggressive defense of nests.

Good condition; shows some separation of the barbs ('zipped' open) along the inner vane, likely due to mechanical stress or handling after molting.