WAXWINGS. FAMILY BOMBYCILLIDÆ
BOHEMIAN WAXWING
Bombycilla garrula
Similar to the Cedar Waxwing, but larger, the primary coverts and secondaries tipped with white, the primaries tipped with white or yellow, the under tail-coverts chestnut. L. 8.
Range. Western Canada; in winter east to Minnesota and rarely as far as Connecticut.
Glen Ellyn, one record, Jan. 22, 1908. SE. Minn., irregular W.V., until Apl. 1.
There are comparatively few authentic records of this beautiful bird east of the Alleghanies. Enthusiastic bird-students are, I fear, apt to give Waxwings, seen in winter, the benefit of the doubt and call them 'Bohemians.' Look especially for the white marks on the Bohemian's wings. Its large size might not be apparent unless the two species were seen together.
CEDAR WAXWING
Bombycilla cedrorum. [Case 2], Fig. 40; [Case 4], Fig. 54
Crest usually conspicuous; tail tipped with yellow; a black 'bridle.'
Range. Nests from North Carolina and Kansas to Canada; winters irregularly throughout the United States.
Washington, very common P.R., less so in winter. Ossining, common P.R. Cambridge, not common P.R., common S.R., abundant T.V. in spring, Feb. 1-Apl. 25. N. Ohio, irregularly common in summer. Glen Ellyn. S.R., Jan. 21-Sept. 24; occasional W.V. SE. Minn., common S.R., Feb. 25-Sept. 28.
A Waxwing's crest is as expressive as a horse's ears. One moment it points skyward the next it flattens and disappears. They are as sociable as "Love Birds," traveling in small flocks which, like one bird, dive into a tree and perch so close together that often several will be almost touching, and with common accord they take wing. They feed mainly on small fruit both wild and cultivated but are also expert flycatchers. They nest in June, usually in shade or fruit trees, building a well-made nest for the beautiful, clay-colored, black-spotted eggs.