Canada Goose, also referred to as the North American Goose

A large, heavy-bodied waterfowl with a long black neck, black head, and a distinctive white 'chinstrap' mark. The body is brown and grey, which matches this secondary feather. They are known for their 'honking' calls and V-formation flight patterns.

Solid charcoal-brown or brownish-black at the distal end, fading into a lighter, smoky silvery-grey at the base. The underside is noticeably paler with a slight satiny sheen. No banding or spots present.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs providing a stiff, aerodynamic surface; plumulaceous barbs are present only at the extreme base (calamus area)

Very smooth, stiff, and somewhat oily to the touch for waterproofing; the surface has a matte to low-gloss finish typical of waterfowl

Large size, solid dark brownish-grey coloration with silver-grey base, broad rounded tip, and stiff waterproof barb structure

Highly adaptable; found in wetlands, ponds, lakes, rivers, grain fields, and frequently in suburban parks, golf courses, and lawns

Native to North America; found year-round across the United States and southern Canada, migrating from northern Canada and Alaska to the southern US and Mexico during winter

Primarily a herbivore that grazes on grasses and aquatic plants; they serve as a prey species for large predators and help transport nutrients between aquatic and terrestrial environments.

Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii) which has smaller feathers; Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens) which has white feathers with black tips; Greater White-fronted Goose which is more uniformly brown.

Canada Geese often mate for life and are famous for their strong family bonds; they are also highly efficient foragers that have adapted perfectly to human-altered landscapes

Good condition; slight fraying at the tip and along the trailing edge suggests it was naturally molted after a season of use