Canada Goose

These are the primary engines of a Canada Goose's flight. The bird itself is a large waterfowl with a distinctive black head and neck, white cheek patches, and a brownish body. They are famous for their 'V' formation flight and loud honking vocalizations.

Solid earthy brown to dark charcoal-gray on the vanes; the dorsal surface is darker and more matte, while the ventral surface is slightly paler and silkier. No banding or spots.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs providing a rigid, aerodynamic surface; plumulaceous (fluffy) barbs are concentrated at the very base near the calamus.

Smooth, stiff, and somewhat oily to the touch for water repellency. The surface has a dull matte finish rather than high iridescence.

Large size, asymmetrical vanes, dark brown coloration, and the stout, light-colored rachis that transitions from white to tan.

Extremely versatile: found in wetlands, lakes, rivers, ponds, grassy fields, city parks, and suburban lawns.

Native to North America, breeding from the Arctic to the US, with widespread year-round populations and migratory patterns reaching Mexico.

Primary grazers that cycle nutrients from aquatic to terrestrial environments; they serve as a food source for large predators and scavengers.

Mute Swan feathers are larger and white; Lesser Scaup or other ducks have smaller feathers often with speculum colors; Turkey Vultures have lighter silver-gray undersides and different rachis color.

Canada Geese undergo a synchronous molt in mid-summer, meaning they lose all their flight feathers at once and are flightless for about 45 days.

Good to Fair. The feather shows some minor 'zipper' separation of the barbs and fraying at the tip, likely from ground contact or natural wear prior to molting.