HELP WITH FEATHER IDENTIFICATION

[dontheo 0]

Hey Y'all.

 

Does anyone know what type of feathers these are. They are very stiff almost like what you would find on a dart or arrow but not that big. I have seen them before but can't place them. I ended up with three sacks of grey, black and white feathers that I found in a sale. They are very symmetrical and do not look to be dyed.

 

Thanks in advance

[phg 0]

My guess would be goose shoulder. They've obviously been trimmed, so we can't really see the full size and shape.

[tidewaterfly 0]

My guess would be goose too, or possibly a larger domestic duck type. Really hard to tell based on the pics.

[dontheo 0]

That's the weird part, they have not been trimmed. The tips feather down almost like a turkey flat but not that soft.

 

But goose may be the answer. Back to the research.

[Guest]

I'd say cut pieces from goose feathers

[rockworm 0]

Looks like the tip section from secondary feathers. Can't tell from the photo what bird. Probably domesticated duck, geese, turkey, or chicken since they are white.

[flytire 0]

i cannot speculate what it is so i dont know

[SilverCreek 0]

To me the feathers are covert feathers.

 

However, I honestly don't think it matters what the bird it is from, since you tie flies with the appropriate material. So if you see a pattern where the properties of the feather would work, use it. Whether an Adams is tied with the original Muskrat grey underfur, mink, or a synthetic fine gray dubbing, the fly will be an Adams.

 

What is more important is any cupping of the feather and the fact that the edges of the barbs are trimmed so the hackle no longer has a natural taper.