Canada Goose

This feather is a sturdy wing feather from a Canada Goose, a large waterbird known for its black head/neck and white cheek patch. The bird has a 50-70 inch wingspan and is famous for its 'honking' call and V-shaped flight formations.

Soalie black to dark chocolate brown across the distal surface, fading to a lighter brownish-grey at the base. The underside is a paler, more matte silver-grey.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs on the majority of the vane for aerodynamics, transitioning to plumulaceous down at the base (superior umbilicus).

Smooth, stiff, and somewhat oily/water-resistant texture typical of waterfowl. The vane has a slight matte sheen.

Dark brown to black coloration, a rigid and thick rachis, and a distinctive white downy base. The asymmetry indicates its function in flight.

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

Native to North America, breeding across Canada and the northern US; widely introduced to Europe, New Zealand, and South America; partially migratory.

Primary grazer of grasses and aquatic plants. They serve as prey for large predators and help cycle nutrients in wetland ecosystems.

Cackling Goose (nearly identical but smaller), Domestic Goose (often lighter or mottled grey), or Mallard (significantly smaller).

Canada Geese often mate for life and are highly territorial during nesting. Some subspecies, like the Giant Canada Goose, were once thought extinct before being rediscovered in the 1960s.

Good condition with some minor fraying/separation of barbs (zips) near the tip and a small notch in the outer vane suggesting natural wear or molt.