Cedar Waxwing

Scientific Name: Bombycilla cedrorum

Population Estimate: 15M

Range / Habitat: Year-round in states along the US / Canada border. Summers up in to Canada. Winters throughout the rest of the US, Mexico, and Central America. In the fall and winter these birds will be in flocks feasting on berries. In the summer they will be catching insects, much as a fly-catcher.

Field Notes: Medium-sized passerine with svelte body, black mask and crest . The "wax" wingtip is striking. Occasionally they have an orange / red tail tip which is a variant thought to be related to diet. Waxwings are a flocking species and sound like crickets chirping. In the appropriate range, they mix with the Bohemian Waxwing which does not have white on the forehead, have a buffy breast, and have burnt orange coloring under the tail.

Personal Notes: These birds look like superheros.