Rock Pigeon (also known as Feral Pigeon or Rock Dove)

This is a sturdy grey tail feather featuring the classic dark terminal band of the Rock Pigeon. The bird itself is a medium-sized, stout bird with a small head and short legs. While 'wild type' birds are blue-grey with two black wing bars and a dark tail band, feral populations exhibit massive color variation including mosaic, rufous, and white plumage.

Medium slate grey throughout the majority of the vane, transitioning into a distinct dark charcoal or black terminal band at the tip. The underside is a lighter, paler grey.

Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs on the upper 80% to provide structure for flight; plumulaceous (downy) barbs at the base for insulation.

Smooth, firm, and slightly waxy to the touch. The feather has a matte finish without the iridescence often found on neck feathers.

Uniform slate-grey color, distinct dark terminal band at the tip, and a relatively straight, symmetrical shape characteristic of a tail rectrix.

Extremely varied; naturally found on rocky sea cliffs, but highly adapted to urban environments, farmland, and city parks.

Globally distributed. Native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, but introduced and established on every continent except Antarctica.

They serve as a primary prey source for urban raptors like Peregrine Falcons. They also act as seed dispersers and opportunistic scavengers.

Mourning Dove (smaller, more tapered/pointed tail feathers), Band-tailed Pigeon (larger, different tail band placement), and various raptors (which usually have distinct barring rather than a single terminal band).

Rock Pigeons were the first bird species to be domesticated. They have an incredible homing ability, using the Earth's magnetic field and landmarks to navigate over hundreds of miles.

Good condition. The barbs are mostly intact with minor fraying at the tip. The calamus is clear, suggesting it was naturally molted.