Canada Goose

This is a robust primary flight feather from the Canada Goose, a large waterbird known for its black head and neck with a white chinstrap. The bird has a 4-5 foot wingspan and is famous for its 'honking' call and V-formation flight patterns.

Solid fuscous to dark brown or charcoal-grey on the distal half, fading to a lighter brownish-grey toward the base. The underside is notably paler and more silvery-grey. No banding present.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs providing a stiff, wind-resistant surface for flight; minor plumulaceous down at the very base of the calamus.

Stiff, smooth, and somewhat oily for water-resistance; the surface has a matte to low-sheen finish typical of waterfowl.

Strong asymmetry, large size, dark brownish-grey coloration with no patterns, and a very thick, rigid light-colored rachis.

Ubiquitous near water sources including lakes, ponds, marshes, rivers, and increasingly common in urban parks and golf courses.

Native to North America; widespread across the US and Canada with many populations migratory, though urban residents are often year-round. Introduced globally to Europe and New Zealand.

Grazer and seed disperser. They play a significant role in nutrient cycling in wetlands but can become a nuisance in overpopulated urban areas.

Mute Swan feathers (larger and white), Wild Turkey primaries (strongly banded/barred), and Great Blue Heron (more blue-grey/powder grey).

Canada Geese can fly up to 1,500 miles in a single day with a favorable wind. They are also known to mate for life and are highly protective of their nests.

Good condition with some minor separation of barbs (unzipping) at the trailing edge; the calamus appears intact, suggesting it was naturally molted.