Large dark waterbird, most likely a cormorant; exact species cannot be determined from this feather alone.

This is a long, dark flight feather with a contrasting pale shaft, consistent with a large aquatic bird such as a cormorant. The bird identification is tentative because several dark waterbirds have similar flight feathers.

Dark brown to nearly black, with a pale cream shaft and subtle lighter edging or wear near the tip; no clear barring is visible.

Mostly compact, interlocking pennaceous barbs; the lower portion appears loose or damaged, with some separated barbs.

The straight, light-colored rachis is prominent against the dark vane. Barbs are closely arranged over most of the feather and become ragged near the base.

Matte, firm-looking vane with a slightly worn, separated lower section; waterproofing or surface feel cannot be judged from a photo.

Probably from the wing, based on its length and strongly unequal vanes; the image does not establish the precise feather tract.

Large size, dark nearly uniform vane, pale rachis, and strongly asymmetrical outline; these features suggest a wing feather but do not securely identify species.

Cormorants commonly forage in coastal waters, lakes, rivers, and estuaries, resting and nesting on trees, cliffs, or islands.

Cormorant range depends on species; Double-crested Cormorants occur widely in North America and migrate or disperse seasonally in northern areas.

Cormorants are fish-eating predators and indicators of aquatic food webs; local populations can be affected by water pollution, habitat change, and fisheries interactions.

Raven, crow, and other large dark-bird feathers can look similar, but cormorant feathers are often less glossy; species-level separation generally needs a reference specimen and location.

Cormorants pursue fish underwater using their feet and often hold their wings spread after diving to dry them.

Feathers have been used historically in crafts and fly-tying, but wild-bird feather possession and trade may be regulated; check local laws before keeping or transferring this specimen.

Compare length, shaft color, vane asymmetry, and nearby habitat with regional feather guides; check beneath communal roosts, while avoiding disturbance to nesting birds.

The feather appears partly worn or frayed at the base; no obvious fault bars or contamination are visible. Condition: fair to good.