Black-capped Chickadee

A small, fluffy contour feather from a Black-capped Chickadee, featuring a distinctive dark grey-black tip and a soft, pale grey base. The bird itself is a small, energetic songbird known for its bold black cap and bib, white cheeks, and cheerful 'chick-a-dee-dee-dee' call.

Shows a gradient from a fluffy white-grey base to a distinct dark grey or black tip

Pennaceous at the upper tip transitioning to plumulaceous (fluffy) at the base

Thin, flexible, light-colored rachis with fine, evenly spaced barbs

Soft and fluffy at the base with a slightly smoother, matte pennaceous tip

Breast or flank contour feather, determined by its soft basal down and rounded vane

Small size, pale grey fluffy base transitioning abruptly into a dark grey or black pigmented tip

Deciduous and mixed forests, woodlots, parks, and suburban areas with mature trees

Widespread across northern and eastern North America

Acts as an important forest insectivore helping to control pest populations, and serves as a vital prey species for small hawks and owls

Carolina Chickadee and Boreal Chickadee, whose body feathers are nearly identical in microscopic structure and coloration

Chickadees can lower their body temperature on frigid winter nights into a regulated hypothermic state to conserve energy

Due to its small size and protective status, feathers from this species are generally appreciated in natural study rather than historical crafts

Found near bird feeders, tree cavities, and brush piles in wooded suburban yards across its range

Good condition with intact barbs and minimal visible wear