waxwing

Imagine a bird dressed for a fancy ball; that is often the best way to picture a waxwing. These striking birds are known for their silky feathers, pointed crest, and the smooth red tips on some wing feathers that gave them their name. They move through woods and open country, feeding on berries and giving soft, high calls. They are not usually alone; they are often seen in flocks, moving together like a shimmering wave. If you spot one, it is often surrounded by others just as graceful.

The name "waxwing" comes from the red, wax-like droplets on the wings. These are actually small extensions of the feather shafts. They are not always present on every bird; younger ones may not develop them until they mature. Waxwings have even been known to get a bit tipsy after eating fermented berries in the fall, behaving a bit like little feathered partygoers.

The waxwing is a beautifully plumaged songbird belonging to the family Bombycillidae, famed for its silky-soft feathers and distinctive crest. There are three species—the Bohemian Waxwing, the Cedar Waxwing, and the Japanese Waxwing—each with slightly different ranges and markings, but all sharing that signature elegance.

These birds aren't shy about enjoying a good berry feast! They are often found in large flocks, moving nomadically to follow ripening fruit sources. This behavior means they can appear suddenly in an area and then disappear just as quickly once the food source is depleted. Their diet isn't exclusively berries, however; they also catch insects mid-air, especially during the breeding season when their young require extra protein.

The name "waxwing" refers to the small, waxy red tips found on the secondary feathers of the wings. These are not made of actual wax, but are modified, pigmented feather shafts. These "droplets" often become more prominent as the bird ages and can play a role in social status or mate selection.

Waxwings have a unique social structure; they often engage in a charming "passing" behavior where birds line up on a branch and pass a berry from beak to beak down the line. This ritual is thought to strengthen bonds within the flock or between mates. They build open cup nests, typically hidden in dense shrubs or trees, and lay pale bluish or greyish eggs spotted with black.

So, if you're lucky enough to spot a waxwing—whether it's soaring through the sky with its flock, delicately perched on a branch, or indulging in a berry buffet—take a moment to appreciate this truly remarkable and elegant bird.