How to Identify Waxwings

Identify the habitats of both the Bohemian Waxwing and the Cedar Waxwing. The Bohemian Waxwing lives in northwestern North America and can be found mostly in open woodlands; either coniferous woodlands or mixed woodlands. The Bohemian Waxwing can often be seen perched on black spruce trees. The Cedar Waxwing lives throughout North America and is often found in orchards, residential areas and open woodlands. Because these Waxwing birds feed on berries, look for them where berries grow.

Observe the appearances of the two types of Waxwings. Both have tapered wings, small bills and square-shaped tails with yellow tips. They also have crests on the tops of their heads. The Bohemian Waxwings have gray underparts and upperparts and wings with white and yellow spots. During flight, the wings show white patches. They also have a reddish color under their tails, a black patch on their chins and small legs and feet. Females look similar to males, except they have smaller black chin patches. Juveniles have brown-gray upperparts, a pale throat and streaking on their underparts. Cedar Waxwings have brownish-colored upperparts, pale yellow underparts and no yellow spots on their wings. They also have a black mask that has white edges on their faces. Females look similar to males, and juveniles have streaked bodies.

Compare the sizes of the Bohemian and the Cedar Waxwings. Bohemian Waxwings are larger than Cedar Waxwings. Bohemian Waxwings measure approximately 16 to 19 cm in size, with a weight of approximately 45 to 69 g and a wingspan of approximately 33 cm. Cedar Waxwings measure approximately 14 to 17 cm in size, with a weight of approximately 32 g and a wingspan of approximately 22 to 30 cm.

Differentiate between the sounds of the Bohemian and Cedar Waxwings. The call of the Bohemian Waxwing sounds similar to a "scree" and a "zirrr" sound and is lower and harsher in pitch than the call of the Cedar Waxwing. The Cedar Waxwing's sound is similar to a "zeee" or "zeeet" and is soft, trilled and high pitched.

Take note of the flight patterns of waxwings. Both Bohemian and Cedar Waxwings are strong, rapid flyers. The Bohemian Waxwing alternates rapid beats of its wings with periods when their wings are pulled to the sides of their bodies. The Cedar Waxwing exhibits fast wing movements during flight.