Animal Facts

Widespread throughout Europe, Asia, and North America, and most often found in open woodlands, the Bohemian Waxwing and their smaller, plainer cousin, the Cedar Waxwing (they are also related to Cardinals and Starlings) are common migratory birds throughout the temperate Northern Hemisphere. The genus name, Bombycilla, comes from the Latin bombyx (silk) and cilla (tail) and refers to the silky-soft plumage of the bird - the species name garrulus means "noisy" or "talkative". Their common name, Bohemian, refers to their nomadic life style in search of fruits and insects, especially insect pests - they are also fond of sweet saps, often foraging close to other birds on the ground and in trees. "Waxwing" refers to the bright red bead-like tips of the secondary feathers on its wings, which look like drops of sealing wax. Bohemian Waxwings are so fond of fruit that the birds are susceptible to intoxication and even death due to eating fermented berries. Those who wish to attract them to backyard feeders can try apple slices, currants, and canned peas; they are known to be fond of all of these.

A group of waxwings are collectively known as an "earful" or a "museum" of waxwings, in the charming tradition of a gaggle of geese, a parliament of owls, an exaltation of larks, and a murder of crows. Waxwings sing while flying, uttering continuous twitters and chatter; their call is an abrasive "scree" or "zirrrr", not what most people would consider singing.