Likely Common Grackle (also Purple Grackle); species-level identification uncertain

This small, elegant feather likely comes from a Common Grackle, a long-tailed blackbird with iridescent blue, green, and violet head and body plumage. Grackles are conspicuous, social foragers with loud creaks and whistles, often seen in flocks in open habitats.

Predominantly black with blue-green structural iridescence on the sleek distal section; the pale shaft and grayish downy base may reflect normal feather structure rather than bleaching.

Basal barbs are plumulaceous and open, while the distal barbs are pennaceous and tightly interlocked; no owl-like combing is visible.

Slim, pale rachis becoming darker toward the tip; barbs lengthen and loosen toward the base and become short, dense, and glossy distally.

Soft and fluffy basally, smooth and glossy at the tip, with moderate rigidity in the distal vane.

Likely neck, mantle, or flank; the soft base and narrow curved tip are characteristic of body plumage.

Glossy blue-black curved tip, pale shaft, and distinctly fluffy gray-black base are the strongest clues; exact identification from one contour feather is not certain.

Open woodland, woodland edges, wetlands, agricultural areas, parks, and towns; nests commonly occur in shrubs or trees near water.

Eastern and central North America, with some populations resident and northern birds migrating south in winter.

An adaptable omnivore and important predator of insects and small vertebrates, while also consuming and dispersing seeds; populations remain widespread, though local numbers are affected by habitat change and urban hazards.

Boat-tailed and Great-tailed Grackle feathers can be similarly glossy; Common Raven, crow, and starling feathers are usually stiffer or differently shaped and show different iridescent tones.

Common Grackles can form enormous winter roosts and often use their large bills to probe soil, capture prey, and handle grains.

Blackbird feathers have appeared in decorative arts and crafts, but possession of native North American bird feathers is generally regulated under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Compare several nearby feathers, especially the glossy distal color and down structure; molted contour feathers are common beneath roost trees, nesting areas, and favored feeding sites.

Appears naturally shed and generally good, with slight barb separation at the base; no obvious fault bars, parasites, oil, or severe breakage.