Cedar Waxwing
Bombycilla cedrorum
The Cedar Waxwing is a rare but striking visitor to Britain, typically seen during the winter months, particularly in the south and east of the country, often in association with berry-bearing trees. It is a North American species that occasionally crosses the Atlantic, making it a highly sought-after sighting for British birders.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Cedar Waxwing in the field.
The Cedar Waxwing can be identified at a glance by its sleek, grey-brown plumage, distinctive crest, and bright yellow tip to its tail, as well as its wing tips, which have a reddish-brown wax-like drop of colour.
The Cedar Waxwing is slightly smaller than a Starling, with a more slender build.
The male Cedar Waxwing has a grey-brown back, wings, and tail, with a pale yellow belly and a black mask around its eyes, with a subtle sheen to its feathers.
The female Cedar Waxwing is similar to the male, with slightly less intense colouration and a less pronounced mask.
The Cedar Waxwing's call is a high-pitched, whistled "zreee" or "zee" sound, often repeated in a series, while its song is a series of musical, whistled phrases.
Cedar Waxwings are social birds that feed on berries, fruits, and insects, often in flocks, and are known for their acrobatic, fluttering flight as they chase after insects or flit between branches.
The Cedar Waxwing can be confused with the Bohemian Waxwing, but can be distinguished by its smaller size, less variegated plumage, and the yellow tip to its tail, as well as its more subdued call.
Quick Facts
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