Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored or Oregon morphs)

This feather belongs to a Dark-eyed Junco, a small, plump sparrow with a short, pinkish bill. The bird is famous for its 'flash' of white outer tail feathers when it takes flight, which serve as a social signal. They are ground-feeders often seen hopping in leaf litter.

Bicolored pattern featuring a slate-gray or dark charcoal base with a stark white tip and white outer edge. The transition between the gray and white is relatively sharp but show some slight irregular diffusion.

Pennaceous and tightly interlocked throughout most of the vane; plumulaceous (downy) at the very base near the calamus.

Smooth, matte finish with a flexible but resilient vane typical of songbird tail feathers.

Dramatic contrast between dark slate-gray and pure white on an outer tail feather of this size and shape is a primary diagnostic for Junco hyemalis.

Coniferous and mixed-wood forests for breeding; fields, parks, and suburban backyards during winter (often referred to as 'Snowbirds').

Breeds across Alaska and Canada and the western US mountains; winters across nearly all of the continental United States and northern Mexico.

Primary ground-gleaning insectivore during summer and granivore (seed-eater) in winter; they serve as a vital food source for smaller hawks.

Vesper Sparrow (larger, more streaked), Eastern Towhee (larger, different white distribution). The Junco's specific shade of slate-gray is unique.

Juncos were once considered several different species (Slate-colored, Oregon, Pink-sided, etc.) before being lumping into one species with many regional variations.

Good condition. Minimal wear on the edges suggests it was molted recently or is from a relatively healthy adult bird; no significant fault bars visible.