Cedar Waxwing

These feathers belong to a sleek, crested bird with a soft, silky brownish-grey plumage and a distinctive black mask. The Cedar Waxwing is famous for its 'waxy' red wing tips and the bright yellow tail tip seen here. They are roughly 6-7 inches long with a 9-12 inch wingspan.

A smooth gradient of slate-grey at the base transitioning into a deep charcoal or blackish subterminal band, followed by a brilliant, vibrant lemon-yellow terminal band at the tip. The ventral side is paler and more matte.

Tightly interlocked (pennaceous) throughout the distal half for flight stability; becomes plumulaceous (fluffy) and downy near the calamus (base) for insulation.

The rachis is thin, dark, and slightly curved. Barbs are densely packed; the color transition from grey to yellow is sharp and well-defined by carotenoid pigments in the tips.

Extremely smooth and silky, almost waxy to the touch, which is characteristic of the 'waxwing' name. The surface has a matte to low-sheen finish with a very fine, tight weave.

These are tail feathers (rectrices). The slight curvature and vane asymmetry indicate they are from the outer positions of the tail fan.

The most diagnostic feature is the bright yellow terminal band on a grey-black tail feather. No other North American passerine possesses this specific tail coloration combined with this feather size.

Open woodlands, orchards, suburban gardens, and riparian areas, particularly where fruit-bearing trees and shrubs (like cedar, holly, and serviceberry) are abundant.

Breeds across southern Canada and the northern United States; winters throughout the U.S., Mexico, and Central America. They are nomadic following fruit crops.

Massive seed dispersers. By consuming vast quantities of fruit and moving in large flocks, they play a critical role in the distribution of woody plants and shrubs.

Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus) feathers are very similar but are generally larger and the bird has different under-tail covert colors (rufous). The yellow tail band is shared, but size is the primary divider.

Cedar Waxwings can become 'intoxicated' if they eat overripe, fermented berries. They are also one of the few North American birds that can survive primarily on fruit for long periods.

Waxwing feathers have historically been admired for their unique 'waxy' secretions on the wings, which are actually modified feather tips. They are popular subjects for wildlife photography and nature art due to their elegance.

Look for these feathers under berry-producing trees in late summer or autumn during the molt. They are often found in clusters if a bird was startled or attacked by a predator.

The feathers appear in Good to Excellent condition. The yellow tips are vibrant, and the barb structure is intact, suggesting they were recently molted or lost during a minor scuffle rather than being old, weathered feathers.