618. Bombycilla garrula. 8 inches
Larger and grayer than our common [Cedar Waxwing] and with yellow and white on the wing; it is a northern species and is only casually found in eastern U. S. They nest within the Arctic Circle and only a few of their nests have ever been found. In winter they are found in flocks, roving restlessly about the country, often appearing where least expected and utterly deserting other places where they are usually found.
Nest.—Of small twigs and moss, lined with feathers, usually placed at low elevations in spruce or coniferous trees; eggs dull bluish white specked sparingly with black (1.00 × .70), similar to those of the [Cedar Waxwing] but larger.
Range.—Northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere, breeding within the Arctic Circle and wintering casually south to Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Kansas and California.
CEDAR WAXWING
619. Bombycilla cedrorum. 7 inches
Plumage very soft colored with a general brownish tone, shading to gray on the rump. The Waxwings are named from the curious wax-like appendages attached to the tips of the secondaries, and rarely to the tail feathers. They are very sociable and usually feed in flocks. They live chiefly upon fruit and are especially fond of cherries, for which reason they are very often known as Cherry-birds. They are very tame and allow any one to almost touch them while they are feeding or sitting upon their nests.
Note.—An insignificant lisping hiss.
Nest.—A substantial structure of twigs, mosses, twine, etc., lined with fine grasses; placed in cedar trees or, when near habitations, usually in orchard trees; the four or five eggs are dull bluish white specked with black (.85 × .60).