Waxwing
The Bohemian waxwing has colourful tips on the end of its wings which look as though they have been dipped in wax
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The waxwing has pinkish-grey plumage with a paler grey rump and underparts, and a black tail with a yellow band at the end. The wings are black with yellow and white stripes and red tips. The crested head is cinnamon coloured with a black eye mask and a white stripe below the eye, and the chin and throat are black.
The bill is black with a pale base, the eyes are brown, and the legs and feet are dark grey. Males and females are similar, except the female has a narrower tail band, and shorter red wing tips.
Juvenile waxwings are duller than adults and have a shorter crest, a less obvious wing pattern, and the black patch on the throat is absent.
Waxwings arrive in Britain from Scandinavia in October and leave again in April. The usually arrive en masse in a phenomenon called an ‘irruption’, first on the east coast before moving inland.
Look out for them in areas with rowan and hawthorn trees including car parks, towns, parks, and gardens.
SPOTTING TIPS
Waxwings are easy to identify, but their numbers fluctuate each year, so sightings aren’t guaranteed. Keep an eye on the news and social media to find out if an irruption has reached your area.
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