Cedar Waxwing

A sleek, silky songbird known for its crest, soft brown plumage, and bright red waxy tips on the secondary wing feathers. They are highly social birds that travel in flocks, feeding primarily on fruit.

Soft grayish-brown at the base transitioning into a warm yellowish-buff tone with a distinct dark brown and white marking near the rounded tip.

Pennaceous at the distal tip with interlocked barbs, transitioning to a very plumulaceous, fluffy base with loose barbs lacking strong hooklets.

Thin, pale whitish-yellow central rachis, flexible, with fine, densely packed barbs angled outwards.

Silky, soft, and smooth with a matte finish, characteristic of the velvety plumage found on waxwings.

Breast or flank contour feather, determined by its soft texture, semi-fluffy base, and rounded, neatly colored tip.

Soft silky texture, grayish-brown to yellowish-buff coloration, and smooth rounded tip with subtle dark and light terminal markings.

Open woodlands, forest edges, orchards, and suburban areas with abundant fruit-bearing trees and shrubs.

Breeds across the northern half of North America and winters further south into the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America.

Important seed dispersers for various fruit-bearing trees and shrubs across their range.

Bohemian Waxwing, which is larger and has distinct yellow and white wing markings.

Cedar Waxwings can become intoxicated or even die from eating large quantities of overripe, fermented berries.

Protected under wildlife laws, historically appreciated for their striking aesthetic and silky plumage.

Look near fruit-bearing trees, forest edges, and water sources during migration seasons.

Good condition with intact barbs and a clean shaft, showing minimal wear.