General Overview
The Bombycillidae family, best known for the waxwings, is a small group of passerine birds found across the Northern Hemisphere. The family includes three primary species of waxwings—Bohemian, cedar, and Japanese waxwings, along with a few closely related genera such as silky-flycatchers and the hypocolius (sometimes placed in this group). Waxwings are highly social birds recognized for their nomadic movements and reliance on fruit, which makes them important seed dispersers in forest ecosystems.
Appearance
Waxwings are medium-sized songbirds, typically 15–20 cm in length, with soft, silky plumage. They are named for the bright, wax-like red tips found on some of their wing feathers. Their plumage is usually a blend of browns, grays, and soft pastels, accented with striking black face masks, crests, and yellow-tipped tails. The overall look is smooth and sleek, giving them a distinctive, elegant appearance. Both sexes look similar, with only slight differences in markings.
Diet
The diet of waxwings is heavily fruit-based, particularly during the winter, when they consume berries such as juniper, rowan, and mistletoe. They are capable of eating large quantities of fruit quickly and often regurgitate or excrete the seeds intact, aiding in plant dispersal. In the breeding season, their diet shifts to include insects, which provide essential protein for raising chicks. They are agile aerial foragers, often catching flying insects mid-air.
Habitat
Bombycillids prefer habitats with abundant fruiting trees and shrubs, including boreal forests, mixed woodlands, orchards, and urban parks. They are highly nomadic, moving irregularly in response to food availability rather than following fixed migration patterns. During winter, large flocks may descend into suburban areas, where they feed on ornamental berry-producing trees.
Behavior
Waxwings are among the most gregarious of songbirds, often forming flocks that can number in the hundreds. Their movements are closely tied to fruit supplies, leading to unpredictable irruptions into areas outside their typical range. Courtship involves the ritual passing of berries between mates, sometimes back and forth multiple times before one bird eats it. They are relatively quiet birds, producing soft, high-pitched trills and whistles. Nests are usually built in trees or shrubs, with both parents helping to raise the brood.
