Cedar waxwing - a berry pretty bird.

There are few birds in North America that are quite as attractive as the cedar waxwing.  From the bold yellow end of their tail feathers to their rakish mask, they exude a certain elegance.  Even the spots of red on their wings suggest an element of roguishness.  And to top it all off is a soft palette of colours transitioning from yellow to brown and gray.

Cedar waxwings are primarily fruit eaters.  They can be pests, as any blueberry farmer would point out, for their love of berries is singular above all else.  You would think that they would migrate with the growing season, but they are permanent residents at mid-latitudes from the US-Canada border down to the central US.  Winter finds a population south of that; I have seen them in Texas in January.  In summer, they fly north and are present throughout most provinces.

What business do these fruit-oholics have being so far north during winter?  Many berries are not terribly palatable; these include winter berry, mountain ash, junipers, and (go figure) cedar seeds.  Apparently, their name is somewhat related to their diet. When available they will also eat quite a variety of insects.  This is especially true during breeding as the young need a steady and rich source of protein.

Cedar waxwings often are found in small groups.  If one is present there will likely be others nearby.  And best of all, they are only too happy to display their charismatic display of shades and colours for all to enjoy.

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