Waxwings
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Waxwings are a very small group of fruit loving birds in the family Bombycillidae.
While some disagreement exists over placement of birds in the family, many experts recognize only three Waxwing species: the Cedar Waxwing of the United States, the Japanese Waxwing of Northeast Asia, and the Bohemian Waxwing of Europe, Asia and North America.
The top picture shows a pair of black-masked Cedar Waxwings eating berries. The Bohemia Waxwing also has a black face mask, however, the body and breast feathers are a lighter gray and the head is a rustier color.
Cedar Waxwings are the more common species, year-round residents in the North and winter migrants in the South. They often travel in large flocks consuming as many berries as they can find.
© 2008. Patricia A. Michaels