Cedar and Bohemian Waxwing Perched Together

Had both waxwing species perch very close to one another this morning and I just happened to have camera in hand. Yes, field guides have excellent photos/drawings accentuating diagnostic marks of these species. Thought my photo might add some context (for those brief looks) to field guide descriptions. The chest/belly coloration of each is distinctly different. The light vs dark undertail coverts jump out in a glance. Not as obvious are the contrasting white areas on each bird (Cedar - on face, Bohemian - on wing). Note the extensive black chin of the Bohemian. Yep, the gizz of the Bohemian is chunkier and smaller-headed. Hope this helps you check-off a vagrant Bohemian back east :-) Great Birding!

Cedar (left) and Bohemian (right) Waxwing

Wildlife Spectacle..."Museum" of Waxwing

A large, congealed flock of waxwing finally showed up the other morning in the neighborhood. Captured video and still footage of the action edited for this YouTube product:


This has been the largest flock of these birds I've seen this winter. The berry crop (European Mountain-ash) is huge this year. So abundance of fruit may have these birds less concentrated. I encourage you to check out your own area for the spectacle of these birds :-)