Cedar Waxwing
NameCedar Waxwing
Common NameCedar Waxwing
Scientific NameBombycilla cedrorum
FamilyBombycillidae
Wingspan (cm)29.5
Length (cm)15.5
Weight (g)30
Plumage DetailsPlumage is soft, silky, and brownish-tan on the head and chest, fading to pale yellow on the belly. It has a prominent black mask across the eyes, bordered by a thin white line, and a short, pointed crest. The back and wings are gray, and the tail is tipped with a bright yellow band. Some individuals also display small, red, wax-like tips on their secondary flight feathers.
Vocalization / CallTheir vocalizations consist of high-pitched, thin, trilled 'see-see-see' or 'sree' calls, often given in flight or while foraging.
Primary Dietomnivore
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, often moving south in response to fruit availability.
Identifying Featuresprominent crest, black mask across eyes, yellow tail band, sleek, silky plumage, red, wax-like wingtips (often visible), often seen in flocks
Description
The Cedar Waxwing is a sleek, medium-sized bird known for its silky plumage and distinctive crest. They are highly social, often found in large flocks, especially during winter, and are primarily frugivorous, feasting on berries.
