Canada Goose

A large waterfowl with a long black neck and a characteristic white 'chinstrap'. The feather is a primary from the wing, showing the dark, sturdy construction necessary to support a heavy bird during long-distance migration.

Uniformly dark brownish-black to charcoal gray on the dorsal surface; the ventral side is slightly paler with a silvery sheen; no banding or spotting is present

Densely packed pennaceous barbs with strong interlocking hooklets for aerodynamic integrity; slightly more flexible toward the base

Stiff and rigid vane; smooth, somewhat waxy surface for water resistance; the leading edge is very firm to withstand wind pressure

Asymmetric flight feather shape, dark uniform coloration, large size, and exceptionally thick, light-colored quill (calamus)

Found in a wide variety of habitats including lakes, ponds, bays, marshes, fields, and increasingly in suburban parks and golf courses

Native to North America; breeding across Canada and the northern US; wintering throughout the US and Mexico; widely introduced in Europe and NZ

Primary grazer of grasses and aquatic plants; serves as a prey species for large predators and can affect local water quality in high densities

Turkey Vulture (longer, lacks waxy texture), Trumpeter Swan (pure white), or American Crow (much smaller and more iridescent)

Canada Geese often fly in a V-formation to reduce wind resistance for birds behind the leader; they are known for strong mate-pairing and can live over 20 years

Fair to Good; shows some 'zipper' separation on the inner vane and wear along the edges, typical of a naturally molted feather