Waxwings
Birds in the Bombycillidae family are characterized by their head crests, soft brown feathers, and black face masks. Some birds in this family have waxy tips on the ends of their wings and tail feathers. There are 8 species in this family found in North America, South America, and Asia. They eat insects and berries, with most species preferring berries.
Included below is the Cedar Waxwing.
Cedar Waxwing
Bombycilla cedrorum
“Plate 43.” John James Audubon (1785-1851). Birds of America. Credit: National Audubon Society.
Habitat: Open woodlands, fruiting trees, orchards; in winter, widespread, including towns.
Preferred Food: Mostly berries year round and insects in the summer. Also eats some flowers and will drink oozing sap.
Fun Fact: Cedar waxwings have been observed eating overripe berries that have fermented in the sun, which causes the birds to become intoxicated.
