Cedar Waxwing

Bombycilla cedrorum

Description:

I spotted this and about 20 other Cedar Waxwings in a pear tree in my mother's front yard in Yorktown, Va in 2010. "Cedar Waxwings are pale brown on the head and chest fading to soft gray on the wings. The belly is pale yellow, and the tail is gray with a bright yellow tip. The face has a narrow black mask neatly outlined in white. The red waxy tips to the wing feathers are not always easy to see." Related resource: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/cedar...

Habitat:

"Preferred habitat consists of trees at the edge of wooded areas, or "open" forests, especially those that provide access to berry sources as well as water. Waxwings are attracted to the sound of running water, and love to bathe in and drink from shallow creeks. In urban or suburban environments, waxwings often favor parkland with well-spaced trees; golf courses, cemeteries, or other landscaping with well-spaced trees; bushes that provide berries; and a nearby water source such as a fountain or birdbath." Related resource: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cedar_Waxwi...

Notes:

Species ID Suggestions

12 Comments

Nayeli 11 years ago

What a beautiful bird!

Louisa 11 years ago

Thank you BobSpader!

BobSpader 11 years ago

You wouldn't think that a bird that is basically brown, gray and beige could be so beautiful but there it is. Perfect photo!

Louisa 11 years ago

Thank you LauraMaria:)

LauraMaria 11 years ago

WOW what a beautiful photo! I've only been lucky enough to see a waxwing from a distance once (Bohemian waxwing, we don't get the cedar waxwings here), getting a picture like this is a dream! Great spotting, Louisa :)

Louisa 11 years ago

Rob, they come into Hamton Roads, in fact follow HRT Townsquare online. The photographers there track them I posted this and this was the first spotting in the area, I almost had a whole group of photographers in my mom's front yard....lol.