Bohemian Waxwing
Bombycilla garrulus
Morphology 3
Bohemian waxwings are described as starling-sized, having sleek crests, gray overall, with face washed in chestnut. The tip of the tail has a yellow band. Adult males have a throat patch that is larger than that of females and a broader yellow tip to the tail. The common name, "waxwing," comes from the red waxy tips on their secondary feathers. A similar species, cedar waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum), are smaller, having a pale yellow belly, and wings that are not as colorful. Juvenile Bohemian waxwings have plumage that is more gray than that of adults, with a whitish throat, and streaked underparts.
Habitat 4
During the breeding season, Bohemian waxwings are most common in woodlands ranging from coniferous to coniferous-deciduous. This species also inhabits areas around lakes, streams, and swamps. Typically, they inhabit areas where they can forage for fruits and insects in plentiful amounts. During spring and fall migration they abandon woodlands to seek areas high in fruit abundance, including urban habitats. When food resources diminish, they relocate. During winter seasons, Bohemian waxwings are found in woodland or scrub areas with fruit that remains on branches.
Trophic strategy 5
Bohemian waxwings are frugivorous and insectivorous. The main source of food is sugary fruits. Bohemian waxwings have a large liver which helps convert sugar to energy. They also have the ability to metabolize ethanol from the fermentation of those sugary fruits. Favorite fruits in North America include juniper (Juniperus virginiana) and mountain ash (Sorbus americana). Bohemian waxwings also feed on aerial insects during the summer. In late spring and early summer insects, especially midges (Chironomidae) and mosquitos (Culicidae), make up about 37% of their diet. Insects are also favored during nesting. When preferred food sources are less abundant, they feed on flowers and sap from trees.
Sources and Credits
- (c) Rick Leche, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND), http://www.flickr.com/photos/64649343@N00/2196664508
- (c) Matti Suopajärvi, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), https://www.flickr.com/photos/mattisj/289221732/
- (c) The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), http://eol.org/data_objects/31380805
- (c) The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), http://eol.org/data_objects/31380804
- (c) The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), http://eol.org/data_objects/31380809
More Info
Range Map
iNaturalist.ca Map
| Animal | Bird |
|---|---|
| Bird | Waxwings (Bombycrllidae) |
| Color | black, grey, red, yellow |
