Bombycilla
cedrorum
(Cedar Waxwing)
Physical
Description:
6 1/2-8" (17-20 cm). Silky
looking bird because of its fine, small feathers. Crested head is brown with
a black mask edged in white. Wings are brown at shoulder and gray at ends with
red, waxy tips. These feathers are only found on adults. Brown breast fades
to yellow bellow. Gray tail is tipped with yellow.
Similar Species- Bohemian Waxwing
Song:
Single,
high pitched zeee, sometimes trilled.
Distribution:
Breeds
from southeastern Alaska, east to Newfoundland, and south to northern California,
northern Utah, western Oklahoma, southern Illinois, and parts of southeastern
United States. Winters from southern Canada (locally) and northern U.S., south
to central Panama, and casually to northern South America.
or coniferous), and in forest edges,
second growth, parks, orchards, and gardens. During migration and in winter, occurs
wherever there are trees.
Diet:
Feeds opportunistically on small fruits. May consume maple tree sap and flower
petals. In spring and summer, eats various insects.
Ecology:
Forages in vegetation, or may fly from perch to capture prey. Nests in tree;
nest size varies. Individuals may form small nesting colonies of up to 12 pairs,
and may travel in small groups or flocks. Winter flocks may reach
thousands of individuals.
3-5 eggs (sometimes 6),
for 12-16 days. Young are tended by both adults, and leave nest at 14-18 days.
Conservation:
| Element Code: | ABPBN01020 |
| Status: | Protected nongame species |
| Global Rank: | G5 |
| State Rank: | S5,NTMB |
| National Rank: | N5 |
Important
State References:
No references are available at this time.