Waxwing
Bombycilla garrulus
The Waxwing is a rare but striking winter visitor to Britain, typically seen in periods of harsh weather when its native Scandinavian and Russian habitats are particularly harsh. It can be spotted in woodland edges, parks, and gardens, particularly when berry-bearing trees are present.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Waxwing in the field.
The Waxwing's key identification features include its distinctive black and white eyestripe, crest, and the red tips on some of its wing feathers, which give it a unique appearance. Its smooth, pinkish-brown plumage and square-cut tail also help to distinguish it from other species.
The Waxwing is slightly smaller than a Starling, with a similar size and shape to a Thrush.
The male Waxwing's plumage is a beautiful mix of pinkish-brown and pale grey, with a black and white eyestripe and a crest, and the red tips on its wing feathers are particularly noticeable.
The female Waxwing's plumage is similar to the male's, with the same pinkish-brown and pale grey colouration and distinctive markings.
The Waxwing's call is a high-pitched, whistling "zreee" or "sreee" sound, often repeated in a series of short phrases.
Waxwings are social birds that feed on berries and other soft fruits, often in large flocks, and their flight style is characterized by a swift, direct movement with rapid wingbeats.
The Waxwing can be confused with the Starling, but its distinctive eyestripe, crest, and red-tipped wing feathers help to distinguish it, as does its more subdued, pinkish-brown plumage and lack of iridescence.
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