cedar waxwing bird
1. Bird Name: The regal Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) takes its name from the waxy red secretions on the tips of its wing feathers and the red cedar trees where it’s often seen perched.
2. Appearance: The Cedar Waxwing is an elegant bird bearing a distinctive crest atop its head and exhibits a uniform sleekness. Their coloration ranges from pale beige on the head and chest, to a dazzling yellow on the belly, transitioning with a blush of soft peachy-orange on its flanks. The wings are predominantly gray with the signature wax-like red tips. A yellow band adorns the tail, and a black mask sets off the bird’s warm brown eyes. They possess short and wide beaks, helping them consume a variety of foods. Adult males and females are similar in appearance, making it difficult to differentiate between them.
3. Size: This medium-sized bird measures about 6-7 inches in length on average, with a wingspan of approximately 8-12 inches. Adult Cedar Waxwings typically weigh between 1-1.4 ounces.
4. Habitat & Distribution: Cedar Waxwings are native to North and Central America, with their range extending from southern Canada, throughout the United States to Central Mexico. Their preferred habitats are generally semi-open landscapes or edges of woodlands, often near riparian areas. They seem to have a fondness for fruiting trees and shrubs.
5. Interesting Facts: Cedar Waxwings are known for their unusual dietary habits, often feasting on fermented berries, which can result in a rare intoxication. They have a unique mutual feeding display during courtship where the male and female will pass a small object back and forth before the male ultimately gifts it to the female. Moreover, Cedar Waxwings with orange-tipped tail feathers have been observed, which scientists have traced to the birds ingesting berries of an invasive honeysuckle while their tail feathers were growing.
6. Diet: Cedar Waxwings primarily feed on a diet composed of fruits and berries. However, during breeding season, they also hunt for protein-rich food like insects, particularly beetles, caterpillars, and ants.
7. Behaviour & Sounds: Known to be social birds, Cedar Waxwings often form large flocks, especially in winter. They exhibit a high-pitched, trilled call that lasts for several seconds. Their flight pattern is typically steady and direct, with rapid wingbeats.
8. Conservation Status: The IUCN Red List categorizes the Cedar Waxwing as a species of “Least Concern” as it’s widespread and not currently at risk of extinction.
9. Lifespan: In the wild, Cedar Waxwings typically live between 6 to 7 years, but some have reached up to 8 years.
10. Additional Notes: Cedar Waxwings are known as ‘Jaseur d’Amérique’ in French and ‘Ampelis Americano’ in Spanish. They interact positively with humans, often nesting in urban gardens or parks. In ecosystems, they play a valuable role as seed dispersers due to their fruit-heavy diet. Despite being a common bird, their understated elegance and social disposition give them a unique charm that captivates bird lovers worldwide.
