The Cedar Waxwing is a sleek, medium-sized bird with a crested head, silky brown and grey plumage, and waxy red tips on its secondary wing feathers. It is known for its fondness for berries.
Where to spot
Widespread across North America, breeding in open woodlands, orchards, and suburban areas with fruit-bearing trees. Winters in the southern US, Mexico, and Central America.
How to spot
Look for them in large flocks, especially near fruit trees (like cedar, cherry, or serviceberry). Listen for their high-pitched, trilling 'seee' calls. They often pass berries from beak to beak in courtship or social display.
When to spot
Year-round in some areas, but highly nomadic, moving in response to fruit availability. Flocks are more visible in late summer, fall, and winter when berries are abundant.
Where to spot
Widespread across North America, breeding in open woodlands, orchards, and suburban areas with fruit-bearing trees. Winters in the southern US, Mexico, and Central America.
How to spot
Look for them in large flocks, especially near fruit trees (like cedar, cherry, or serviceberry). Listen for their high-pitched, trilling 'seee' calls. They often pass berries from beak to beak in courtship or social display.
When to spot
Year-round in some areas, but highly nomadic, moving in response to fruit availability. Flocks are more visible in late summer, fall, and winter when berries are abundant.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Cedar Waxwings are known to sometimes become intoxicated from fermenting berries, leading to clumsy flight and behavior, earning them the nickname 'bohemian waxwings' (though not the same species).
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