Canada Goose

This is a sturdy tail feather from a Canada Goose. The bird is characterized by its black head and neck with a distinctive white 'chinstrap.' It is a large, heavy-bodied waterfowl with brownish-gray plumage on the wings and back and a white undertail.

Bicolor pattern with a dark brownish-black distal end (tip) and a grayish-brown proximal half; the calamus and lower rachis are pale cream to white.

Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs providing a stiff, wind-resistant surface for flight control; plumulaceous (downy) barbs at the base for insulation.

Smooth and somewhat waxy to the touch; features a water-repellent (hydrophobic) surface typical of aquatic birds.

Distinguished by the stark contrast between the blackish tip and grayish base, the robust white rachis, and the specialized water-resistant texture.

Near water bodies including lakes, ponds, rivers, marshes, and increasingly in urban parks and golf courses.

Native to North America; found breeding from the Arctic to the southern US; winters throughout much of the US and northern Mexico; introduced to Europe and New Zealand.

Primary herbivore that grazes on grasses and aquatic plants; serves as a prey species for large carnivores and an indicator of wetland health.

Cackling Goose (nearly identical but smaller), Mute Swan tail feathers (pure white), or large gulls (different shape/color gradient).

Canada Geese often fly in a V-formation to reduce wind resistance for the birds behind the leader; they are known for their lifelong pair bonds and loud 'honking' calls.

Good; shows minor wear at the tip (fraying) and some separation of the barbs (splits), likely lost during a natural molt cycle.