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Small passerine, possibly a House Sparrow; identification from this single feather is uncertain.
Small contour feather, likely from the body or a covert; exact position indeterminable.

Small passerine, possibly a House Sparrow; identification from this single feather is uncertain.

Kingdom Animalia; Phylum Chordata; Class Aves; Order Passeriformes; Family Passeridae; Genus Passer; Species Passer domesticus (tentative).

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Family: Passeridae (Old World Sparrows), tentative.

Shape
Short, tapered feather with a pointed tip and slightly unequal-looking vanes; the apparent asymmetry may result from the feather being folded or viewed at an angle.
Size
No scale is present; visually a few centimeters long. This is compatible with a small songbird feather, but dimensions cannot be measured reliably.
Learn more about Small passerine, possibly a House Sparrow; identification from this single feather is uncertain. in the encyclopedia →

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Description

A small tan-brown feather with a pale shaft and darker side, likely from a small passerine. The image does not show enough diagnostic detail to identify the bird confidently.

Colour & Pattern

Warm tan to buff overall, with a darker brown area along one side and a pale shaft. The visible surface is subtly mottled; lighting and orientation may affect the apparent colors.

Barb Structure

Close, interlocking pennaceous barbs form most of the vane; the feather appears intact, with no clear aftershaft visible.

Rachis & Barb Pattern

A fine, pale central rachis runs toward the pointed end; barbs are densely arranged, with a darker brown region on one vane.

Texture & Surface

Fine, matte, and softly textured, with a mostly smooth, closed vane.

Feather Placement

Likely body plumage or a small wing covert; its compact size and modestly developed vane do not suggest a large flight feather.

Key Features

Compact pointed shape, buff-brown coloration, fine shaft, and small-songbird scale; none is species-diagnostic on its own.

Habitat

If from a House Sparrow, typical habitats include towns, farms, gardens, and other human-modified landscapes.

Geographic Range

House Sparrows are widespread across much of the world through both native and introduced populations; they are generally resident.

Ecological Role

If from a House Sparrow, it belongs to an adaptable seed- and insect-eating species that also serves as prey for urban and rural predators; conservation status and ecological effects vary by region.

Similar Species

Many sparrows, finches, and other small passerines have similarly buff or brown body feathers. Reliable distinction usually requires the feather’s exact measurements, pattern, and comparison with reference specimens.

Interesting Facts

House Sparrows readily exploit buildings and food sources around people and have established introduced populations on several continents.

Cultural Significance

Feathers have long been used in crafts and fly-tying; no particular cultural or historical use can be attributed to this unidentified specimen.

Field Identification Tips

Record length, photograph both sides beside a ruler, and note where it was found; multiple feathers from the same bird or nearby diagnostic plumage can help identification.

Condition Notes

Appears largely intact and clean, with no obvious breakage or severe wear; condition: good, based on the visible surface.