How to identify the Cedar Waxwing

To correctly identify the Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

14-17 cm (5.5-6.7 in)

Wingspan

28-32 cm (11-12.6 in)

Weight

30-34 g (1.1-1.2 oz)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Overall silky, fawn-brown plumage, fading to pale yellow on the belly. The back is grayish-brown, and the rump is gray. The undertail coverts are white. The tail is medium-length, gray, and tipped with a distinctive bright yellow band. Secondary flight feathers often have small, waxy red tips, which are more prominent in older individuals.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Short, stout, and slightly hooked bill, black in color.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown, almost black.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Dark gray to black.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   Prominent, sleek crest that can be raised or lowered; black mask extending from the bill through the eye; bright yellow tail tip; waxy red tips on secondary flight feathers (not always visible or present on all individuals, especially younger ones).

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles are streaky brown on the back and heavily streaked on the underparts, particularly on the breast and flanks. They have a less defined crest and mask, and their yellow tail tip is duller or absent. Waxy red wing tips are typically absent.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage remains consistent year-round, though wear and fading can occur.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males and females are virtually identical in plumage. Males may average slightly larger and have more prominent waxy red tips on their wings, but this is not a reliable field mark for sexing.

Key field marks

• Crest and Mask. Look for the distinctive, sleek crest on the head and the black mask across the eyes. These are key features for all waxwings.
• Plumage Color. Note the silky, fawn-brown body plumage, fading to pale yellow on the belly. The back is grayish-brown.
• Tail Tip. Observe the bright yellow band at the tip of the tail. This is a consistent and reliable field mark for adults.
• Waxy Wing Tips. Check for small, waxy red tips on the secondary flight feathers. While not always present or easy to see, especially on younger birds, they are diagnostic when visible.
• Vocalizations. Listen for their high-pitched, reedy 'szeee' or 'seee-seee' calls, often given in flight or by a flock.
• Behavior. Look for flocks feeding on berries, often passing fruit from bill to bill. They are often seen perched in fruit trees or hawking insects from a perch.

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