Guess the tail feather

[tim.birdboy]

I think this belongs in this section:

I found this rectrix (tail feather) on the sidewalk, here in Broken Bow, Central Nebraska, USA, yesterday. I think I saw the bird who lost it too. The length is 5 1/8", and the width is 7/8" at the widest point.

Photo 1 - Side #1 in natural sunlight
Photo 2 - Side #2 in natural sunlight
Photo 3 - Side #1 in indoor fluorescent light
Photo 4 - Side #2 in indoor fluorescent light

BTW, I do know the answer! ;)

[Jane Turner]

It looks like the tail feather of a Streptopelia Dove spp. perhaps Collared Dove

[tim.birdboy]

It looks like the tail feather of a Streptopelia Dove spp. perhaps Collared Dove

Haha, you are too good! Correct, Collared (aka Eurasian Collared) Dove.

Well, that was short and sweet and to the point!;)

[Jane Turner]

I have recent experience - a Sparrowhawk nailed one on my lawn last month. My kids made a head-dress out of the tail feathers.

[deborah4]

I have recent experience - a Sparrowhawk nailed one on my lawn last month. My kids made a head-dress out of the tail feathers.

:'D Classic response to a compliment on your expertise!!

(just hope they don't want tomahawks to nail something of their own ;) )

[Jane Turner]

They would have done if they'd found anything sharp enough!

The youngest also fashioned a flying bird, using a cork, some of the flight feathers, a garden cane and some grass... collared doves do seem to have more feathers than are strictly necessary!