Tundra Swan (Whistling Swan)

A large, elegant white waterfowl with a black bill usually featuring a small yellow spot. These birds are known for their high-pitched, whistling calls during flight.

Uniformly white/creamy white. The brownish staining at the tip is external environmental soiling (mud/tannins) rather than natural pigmentation.

Tight, pennaceous structure at the distal end for water repellency, transitioning into a very long, loose plumulaceous (downy) base for insulation.

Thick, white, rigid rachis that tapers toward the tip. Barbs are densely packed and angled acutely toward the shaft.

Smooth and somewhat waxy at the tip; extremely soft, silky, and voluminous at the downy base. Water-resistant finish.

Likely a large body contour feather from the flank or back, or an inner secondary feather, given the broad shape and substantial downy base.

Large size, pure white color, and a very deep, fluffy plumulaceous section that occupies nearly half of the feather length.

Arctic tundra during breeding; large lakes, bays, estuaries, and flooded agricultural fields during wintering and migration.

Breeds in the Arctic; migrates across North America to winter on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts and the Chesapeake Bay region.

Herbivorous consumer of aquatic vegetation; serves as an indicator species for wetland health and climate change impacts in the Arctic.

Trumpeter Swan (larger rachis), Mute Swan (feather often more curved), or Snow Goose (smaller overall).

Tundra Swans can fly at altitudes of up to 27,000 feet during migration to take advantage of high-altitude winds.

Swan feathers were historically used for high-quality quill pens and down for insulation in bedding and clothing.

Look for these in late summer at molting sites or in wintering wetlands. The sheer volume of down at the base is a hallmark of large waterfowl.

Fair to Good. The feather shows significant environmental staining (browning) and some separation of the barbs at the base, likely a naturally molted specimen.