Likely Northern Mockingbird; identification is uncertain from this worn feather alone.

A small, worn feather with a pale base and dark tip, found in Chandler, Arizona. Mockingbirds are medium-sized gray songbirds with long tails, white wing patches, and varied, repeated songs.

The visible gradient runs from pale gray-white near the base to charcoal or black at the tip, consistent with your description. This pattern is not diagnostic of a species.

Pennaceous barbs form the dark upper vane; pale lower barbs are loose and separated, likely from wear or damage.

A slender, dark central rachis divides the pale lower and darker upper portions; barbs are sparse or broken near the base and tip.

Appears smooth and matte, with a compact dark vane and a loose, frayed base.

Possibly from the wing, based on its tapered form and contrasting vane, though the specimen is too damaged for confident placement.

Gray-to-black contrast and small size are visible, but neither is distinctive enough to confirm mockingbird; many local birds have similar feathers.

Northern Mockingbirds use open, shrubby and residential habitats, including parks, gardens, and desert-edge neighborhoods.

Common across much of the United States, Mexico, and parts of the Caribbean; generally resident, with some local seasonal movements.

Mockingbirds eat insects and fruit and help disperse seeds; they are common in urban and suburban ecosystems. Their populations are broadly widespread, though local habitat changes can affect them.

House Sparrow, European Starling, and other small local birds can have gray, black, or pale wing feathers; shape and pattern across a complete feather set are needed to distinguish them.

Northern Mockingbirds can imitate other birds and environmental sounds, often repeating phrases in long song sequences.

Feathers have historical uses in crafts and fly-tying, but wild-bird feather collection and possession may be regulated; check applicable laws before keeping or using specimens.

Compare intact feathers from the same area of the wing and use a regional feather guide; note that U.S. migratory-bird protections may apply to found feathers.

Fair to poor: barbs are separated and the tip appears damaged; age, molt stage, and cause of wear cannot be established.

I’m in Chandler, AZ and found this a while ago. It’s not in great shape but it’s smooth touch and colors are: gradient from white to gray to black