Day 147: Cedar Waxwing

Cedar Waxwings are very interesting looking birds. They are named for the red, waxlike tips on the secondary flight-feathers of adult bird. They are brownish birds with a crest, a black mask, and a pale yellow belly. Cedar Waxwings breed in open wooded areas in North America and migrate farther south in the winter.

Cedar Waxwings often feed in large flocks, which can reach a size of several hundred birds. They mostly eat sugary fruits, such as juniper berries and ivy berries, but will also eat insects during the summer. If you are unfortunate enough to park your car under a juniper tree and a flock of Cedar Waxwings comes through, prepare to have a mess to clean up. They are also very noisy birds, making high-pitched whistles and trills.