Bohemian Waxwing

The Bohemian waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus), a passerine bird about the size of a starling, breeds in the arctic and northern woodlands of North America and Europe. It has a pointed crest, mostly buff-grey plumage, and black face markings. It has white and brilliant yellow patterns on its wings, and some of the feather tips have the red waxy appearance that gives this species its name in English. There are barely any visual changes between the three subspecies. Although immature birds are less clearly marked and have fewer or no waxy wingtips, females are identical to males in appearance. Despite sharing a range with the Japanese and cedar waxwings, the Bohemian waxwing can be clearly separated from them due to size and plumage variations.

When seeking food in towns and gardens throughout the winter, waxwings may be quite docile, with rowan berries being one of their favorite foods. They have the ability to break down the alcohol created by fermenting fruit, yet they can still get drunk, sometimes fatally. Predation by raptors, parasite infestation, and collisions with vehicles or glass are some other dangers. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated the Bohemian waxwing as being of least concern due to its vast breeding range and strong population density.

When seeking food in towns and gardens throughout the winter, waxwings may be quite docile, with rowan berries being one of their favorite foods. They have the ability to break down the alcohol created by fermenting fruit, yet they can still get drunk, sometimes fatally. Predation by raptors, parasite infestation, and collisions with vehicles or glass are some other dangers. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated the Bohemian waxwing as being of least concern due to its vast breeding range and strong population density.