Canada Goose

This is a soft body feather from a Canada Goose, a large waterbird known for its black head and neck with a white 'chinstrap' and brownish-gray body. These feathers provide both the bird's smooth exterior appearance and critical thermal insulation.

Charcoal to dark grayish-brown pennaceous tip with a subtle transition to a light gray and white plumulaceous base; no distinct banding or iridescence.

The distal third is pennaceous with interlocked barbs; the lower two-thirds is highly plumulaceous (downy) for insulation.

The tip is smooth and somewhat stiff, while the base is extremely soft, silky, and voluminous; the surface has a matte finish.

Rounded dark gray pennaceous tip, extensive white/light gray downy base, and a flexible white rachis characteristic of Anatidae contour feathers.

Found in a wide variety of habitats including grasslands, wetlands, lakes, rivers, urban parks, and agricultural fields.

Native to Arctic and temperate regions of North America; widely introduced to Europe, New Zealand, and South America; partially migratory.

Primary herbivore that influences plant community structure through grazing; populations are stable to increasing, sometimes considered a nuisance in urban areas.

Cackling Goose (nearly identical but feather may be smaller) or Greylag Goose (typically lighter gray/buff tones).

Canada Geese often fly in a V-formation to reduce wind resistance for birds behind the leader; they are known for strong pair bonds that often last for life.

Good condition; the distal barbs show minor wear/fraying, suggesting it was molted naturally rather than pulled; no visible parasitic damage.