#55 Keeping an Eye On.... Waxwings

They are beautiful and sleek, with pointed crest, striking black eye-mask, and yellow-tipped tail.  There is rarely just one - they are most often found in flocks. Distributed widely across the United States, Cedar Waxwings inspire awe and intrigue.

Unique to this family of birds are the red waxy-looking "droplets" found on their secondary wing feathers, extending beyond the feather veins.  This characteristic is most pronounced on adult males. It is from their eye-catching, red, wax-like feather tips that Waxwings get their name.

Look for these lovely birds in neighborhoods, parks or locations with abundant fruiting trees, their favorite diet.

 photo © adrian binns