How to identify a waxwing

There are 3 different types of waxwings; Cedar, Bohemian and Japanese. Our main wandering waxwing is the Bohemian beauty, and occassionally the rarer Cedar variety. Bohemians and Cedars are similar in appearance, both with prominent plumage and a striking black facemask. However there are some distinguishing features. Here's how to tell a Bohemian from a Cedar:

Body: Bohemian waxwings have a glossy grey body and a peach blush on their facemask, unlike Cedars who sport warm browns with a pale yellow belly. 

Tail: The Bohemian waxwing has a streak of russet-red feathers on its undertail, in contrast to Cedar's which are white, ending in a sunshine yellow tail tip which looks like it's been dipped in paint.

Wings: A Bohemian's wings are more brightly decorated than the Cedar, which is still handsomely marked. Spots and streaks of white, yellow and red on the Bohemian give it away. The scarlet waxy spots are not found on all birds, and tend to appear with age in both the Bohemian and Cedar.

Size: Although Bohemian waxwings are a tad smaller than a starling, they are still significantly bigger than Cedar waxwings, and this is more obvious when they flock together in flight or settle in groups on tree branches. Bohemians can be up to twice the body weight of a Cedar!

Where have waxwings been spotted this winter?

Our valued members and followers have been keeping us up to date on their waxwing sightings across Lancashire (and Yorkshire!). Here are some of the hotspots they have appeared this winter:

• Ashton, Preston
• Arnside and Caton, Lancashire
• Garstang/Wyre
• Eccleston near Chorley
• Burnley town centre
• Lancaster
• North Manchester
• Weatherby, Yorkshire
• Skipton, Yorkshire

When is the best time of year to see waxwings?

Waxwings will typically visit the British Isles between October and April and are most active in the morning and late afternoon. They commonly turn up in the North and East of the UK.

Why do they come to the UK for such a short time?

Waxwings use our country as a pit stop, or service station, along their migration journey. They are opportunists in the fact that they will take a break anywhere there are fruit-rich foliage and an abundance of berries. Waxwings come to us to take advantage of our resources when those of Northern Europe are low, which is why some years their number swells from hundreds to thousands, popping up anywhere from supermarket carparks, local parks, and domestic back gardens. They are a fickle friend, however, as they are not loyal to any particular flyway as other migratory birds are, and can often take up to 6 months to complete their journey due to these frequent stop-offs to dine in droves on berry bushes. This is why they are often referred to as 'wanderers' or 'nomads', which only increases our fascination with spotting them!
 

What do waxwings eat?

Waxwings are frugivores; one of our few strictly berry-eating birds. They are particularly fond of Rowan and Hawthorn berries, but will be pushed to eat insects and other fruits when resources are scarce, or when the summer breeding season approaches. They are also particular about which colour of berries they eat; choosing red and orange berries over yellow and white ones. One of their quirks that undoubtedly endears them to British bird-lovers is that they are sugar fiends, preferring berries on the cusp of fermentation, meaning that they often fall into a drunken furore when they feast. Waxwings can berry-binge up to double their own body weight in a day!