Cedar Waxwing look-alikes
Bombycilla cedrorum
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Cedar Waxwing. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Bohemian Waxwing
Bombycilla garrulus
Key differences
Bohemian Waxwings are larger and grayer overall, with rufous (reddish-brown) undertail coverts (Cedar Waxwings have white undertail coverts). They also have yellow and white markings on the wings, which Cedar Waxwings lack. Bohemian Waxwings have a more restricted northern breeding range and are primarily winter visitors to the northern US.
Phainopepla
Phainopepla nitens
Key differences
Phainopeplas are found in the southwestern US and Mexico. Males are glossy black with a prominent crest and a white wing patch visible in flight. Females are duller gray. They lack the yellow tail tip and waxy red wing tips of Cedar Waxwings. Their calls are also distinct.
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