Cedar Waxwing

Description

Cedar waxwings are medium-sized birds around 6–7 in (15–18 cm) long and weighing roughly 30 g (1 oz). Wingspan ranges from 8.7 to 11.8 in (22 to 30 cm). They are smaller and browner than their close relative, the Bohemian waxwing (which breeds farther to the north and west). Their markings are a "silky, shiny collection of brown, gray, and lemon-yellow, accented with a subdued crest, rakish black mask, and brilliant-red wax droplets on the wing feathers." These droplets may be the same colour as the madrone berries they are known to eat. These birds' most prominent feature is this small cluster of red, wax-like droplets on tips of secondary flight feathers on the wings, a feature they share with the Bohemian waxwing (but not the Japanese waxwing). These wax-like droplets are attributed to the pigmented and medullary layers of the secondary tip being surrounded by a transparent cuticle. The wings are "broad and pointed, like a starling's." The tail is typically yellow or orange depending on diet. Birds that have fed on berries of introduced Eurasian honeysuckles while growing tail feathers have darker orange-tipped tail feathers. The tail is somewhat short and square-tipped. Adults have a pale yellow belly. The waxwing's crest often "lies flat and droops over the back of the head." It has a short and wide bill. The waxwing's black mask has a thin, white border. Immature birds are streaked on the throat and flanks and often do not have the black mask of the adults. Males and females look alike. The flight of waxwings is strong and direct, and the movement of the flock in flight resembles that of a flock of small, pale European starlings. Cedar waxwings fly at 40 km/h (25 mph) at an altitude up to 610 m (2,000 ft). Cedar waxwings are also known as the southern waxwing, Canada robin, cedar bird, cherry bird, or recellet. The oldest observed cedar waxwing was eight years and two months old.

Range & habitat

Their preferred habitat consists of trees at the edge of wooded areas or forests, especially those that provide access to berry sources, as well as water. They are frequently seen in fruiting trees. Waxwings are attracted to the sound of running water and like to bathe in and drink from shallow creeks. In urban or suburban environments, waxwings often favour parkland with well-spaced trees; golf courses, cemeteries, or other landscaping with well-spaced trees; bushes that provide berries; and a nearby water source such as a fountain or birdbath. Also, look for them near farms, orchards, and gardens, particularly those with fruiting trees or shrubs. Outside the breeding season, cedar waxwings often feed in large flocks numbering hundreds of birds. This species is nomadic and irruptive, with erratic winter movements, though most of the population migrates farther south into the United States and beyond, sometimes reaching as far as northern South America. They move in huge numbers if berry supplies are low. Rare vagrants have reached western Europe, and seven cedar waxwing sightings have been reported in the United Kingdom. Individual Bohemian waxwings occasionally join large winter flocks of cedar waxwings.

Behaviour

Cedar waxwings are sociable, seen in flocks year round. They are nonterritorial birds and "will often groom each other." They move from place to place depending on where they can find good sources of berries.

Adapted from Cedar waxwing on Wikipedia, used under CC BY-SA 4.0.