Cedar Waxwing

The Cedar Waxwing is a sleek, medium-sized songbird known for its silky plumage, prominent crest, black mask, and bright yellow tail tip. Often accented with waxy red droplets on the secondary wing feathers, they are highly social and nomadic birds frequently seen in flocks feeding on berries.

Soft yellowish-olive transitioning to gray at the base, characteristic of the warm brownish-yellow underparts of the species, with a smooth and uniform appearance

Pennaceous upper portion with a distinctly plumulaceous (fluffy) base, barbs are intact but relatively delicate with fine barbules

Thin, pale whitish-yellow central shaft (rachis) with fine barbs extending at a moderate angle, becoming plumulaceous near the calamus

Extremely silky, smooth, and soft to the touch with a matte finish, lacking high gloss or stiffness

Breast or flank contour feather, determined by the soft, silky texture and blending coloration characteristic of underparts

Soft silky texture, uniform yellowish-olive coloration, and fluffy plumulaceous base typical of passerine body plumage

Open woodlands, forest edges, orchards, suburban areas, and riparian zones with abundant fruit-bearing trees and shrubs

Breeds across the northern and central United States and Canada; winters throughout the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America

Acts as an important seed disperser for various native trees and shrubs through fruit consumption

Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus), which is larger and features distinct white and yellow markings on the wings

Cedar Waxwings can become intoxicated or even die from consuming fermented overripe berries in late winter or spring. Their scientific name Bombycilla refers to their silky plumage.

Due to strict legal protections, feathers of the Cedar Waxwing have no modern commercial use and are primarily studied by ornithologists and nature enthusiasts

Look near fruit-bearing trees like cedar, hawthorn, and dogwood during migration and winter seasons

Good condition with intact barbs and a clean shaft, showing minimal wear or damage