Waxwing

What is Waxwing?

A waxwing is any of three species of songbirds belonging to the family Bombycillidae. These elegant birds are characterized by their gray-brown plumage, tapering crests, and a distinctive yellow band on the tip of the tail. They are named for the beads of shiny, red, waxy material found on the tips of their secondary wing feathers.¹²

The group includes the Bohemian waxwing, which inhabits northern forests across Eurasia and North America, and the cedar waxwing, which is smaller and breeds in Canada and the northern United States. During the winter, these birds are known to travel in flocks, often appearing in parks and gardens in search of berries.¹

Why are their wing tips called waxwings?

The name “waxwing” does not refer to the entire wing, but rather to the specific appearance of the bird’s secondary wing feathers. These birds are named for the small, bead-like deposits of a shiny, red, waxy material found on the tips of these feathers.¹³

This unique feature is a defining characteristic of the three species within the Bombycillidae family, distinguishing them from other songbirds.¹

What makes the Bohemian waxwing different from the cedar waxwing?

The Bohemian waxwing and the cedar waxwing share a similar appearance, but they differ in size, coloration, and range.¹⁴

Key Differences

• Size: The Bohemian waxwing is larger, measuring approximately 20 cm (8 inches) in length, whereas the cedar waxwing is smaller.¹⁴
• Coloration: While both species are gray-brown with tapering crests, the Bohemian waxwing is more colorful, featuring distinct yellow and white wing markings in addition to the characteristic red waxy tips on its secondary feathers. The cedar waxwing is generally considered less colorful.¹
• Range and Breeding: The Bohemian waxwing breeds in the northern forests of Eurasia and North America, and it is known for occasionally irrupting far southward during winter. In contrast, the cedar waxwing breeds specifically in Canada and the northern United States.¹

How do waxwings survive in winter?

Waxwings survive the winter primarily by foraging for food in large, social groups. During the colder months, flocks of these songbirds frequently travel into city parks and gardens to search for berries.

While some bird species utilize physiological adaptations like hibernation or torpor to endure extreme cold, there is no evidence in the provided search results that waxwings employ these methods to survive the winter season. Instead, their survival strategy relies on their ability to locate and consume available fruit resources in their environment.¹⁵