Family Bombycillidae (WAXWINGS)

Waxwings constitute the family Bombycillidae in the Order Passeriformes. The red tips on some of the wing feathers, resembling sealing wax gave them their common name.  There are only 3 species in the sole genus, of the family, and 2 are in North America.  The Bohemian, lives in the northern Arctic forests and sometimes erupts in winter in more southern locations. The Cedar is limited to North America, and lives south of the Bohemian, and may migrate all the way to the southern coast in winter.  Both often travel in large flocks seeking berries.  I have no shots of the 3rd species, Japanese Waxwing, but photos of the other two are below, and videos near the bottom of the page.

click on an image to open species photo gallery

Bohemian Waxwing
Cedar Waxwing

VIDEOS BELOW

Chicago, IL