Cedar Waxwing
Image: Daniel Petersen (cc-by-nc)
NameCedar Waxwing
Common NameCedar Waxwing
Scientific NameBombycilla cedrorum
FamilyBombycillidae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)16
Weight (g)32
Plumage DetailsSoft, silky plumage that is mostly brown on the head and back, fading to pale yellow on the belly. They have a prominent crest, a black mask across the eyes, and a yellow tip on the tail. Many adults also have waxy red tips on their secondary flight feathers.
Vocalization / CallHigh-pitched, thin, trilling whistles or 'seee' calls, often given in flight or while perched.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatsopen woodlands, orchards, suburban gardens, forest edges, riparian areas
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across southern Canada and the northern United States; winters throughout much of the United States, Mexico, and Central America.
Identifying Featuresprominent crest, black mask, yellow tail tip, waxy red wing tips (on adults), sleek brown and yellow plumage
Description
A sleek, medium-sized bird with a prominent crest and a distinctive black mask. They are highly social, often seen in flocks, and are primarily fruit-eaters, especially fond of berries, moving nomadically in search of food.
