Waxwings (Bombycillidae)

Waxwing

Bombycilla garrulus

Length
18 cm
Weight
55 g
Clutch
4–6 eggs
Incubation
14 days
Fledging
14–15 days
Broods
1 per year
Nest box
Does not use enclosed boxes

Identification

  • Pinkish-brown with a crest
  • Black mask
  • Yellow tail-tip and red waxy wing tips

Trilling 'sirrr'.

Diet and garden feeding

Berries — rowan, cotoneaster and apples.

  • Best foods: Apples.
  • Irrupts every few winters; check supermarket car parks with rowans.

Nesting

Cup in Arctic conifers.

Waxwings by country

Sources

  1. Waxwing — RSPB bird guide
  2. Waxwing — BTO BirdFacts

Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.