Bohemian Waxwing

3 weeks ago door Lisa Duggan

Points: 45

Spotted

The Bohemian Waxwing is a beautiful, sleek passerine bird known for its silky, fawn-coloured plumage, prominent crest, and unique waxy red tips on its secondary wing feathers. These highly social birds are frugivorous and often move in large, nomadic flocks in winter.

Where to spot

Breeds in coniferous forests across northern North America and Eurasia. In winter, they irrupt southwards into temperate regions, often found in parks, gardens, and urban areas with abundant berry-producing trees and shrubs.

How to spot

Look for their distinctive crest, black mask, and the bright yellow tips on their tail feathers, as well as the waxy red wing tips. They often feed voraciously on berries, making them relatively easy to approach in urban settings. Listen for their high-pitched, trilling calls.

When to spot

Best observed in autumn and winter months when they move south from their breeding grounds. During breeding, they are more elusive in northern forests.

Where to spot

How to spot

When to spot

Best observed in autumn and winter months when they move south from their breeding grounds. During breeding, they are more elusive in northern forests.

Credits: Maarten Nijman

Credits: Frank.Vassen

Bohemian Waxwings are famous for their 'irruptive' migrations; in some winters, massive flocks descend from their northern breeding grounds into more southern areas in search of berries, leading to spectacular observation opportunities.

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