Bohemian Waxwing Similar Species Comparison
Main SpeciesBohemian Waxwing
Adult
A prominent crest and a black mask over its "blushing" peachy face are characteristic marks of adults. Rusty undertail feathers can be hard to see.
© Daniel Jauvin / Macaulay LibraryQuebec, January 10, 2019Adult
Adults are gray overall with rusty undertail feathers and a "blushing" peachy face. Note the yellow tipped tail and white rectangles on the wings.
© Evan Lipton / Macaulay LibraryNew Hampshire, March 13, 2017Adult
Often perches on exposed branches from which it flies out and back after flying insects.
© Eric Liner / Macaulay LibraryAlaska, July 02, 2007Not all videos have sound
Adult
Large, full-bodied songbird with a prominent crest. Two white rectangles are often visible on the wings of perched birds.
© Jonathan Eckerson / Macaulay LibraryNew Hampshire, March 13, 2017Adult
Foraging birds often perch acrobatically at the tips of thin branches to reach fruit, which it swallows whole.
© Jamin Taylor / Macaulay LibraryAlaska, January 24, 2017Adult
During the nonbreeding season forms large and noisy flocks in search of fruit.
© Timothy Barksdale / Macaulay LibraryJanuary 01, 1996Not all videos have sound
Adult
Breeds in open evergreen forests where it often perches on exposed branches.
© Eric Liner / Macaulay LibraryAlaska, June 21, 2007Not all videos have sound
Flock
Forms large foraging flocks during the nonbreeding season, following fruiting trees.
© Michael Todd / Macaulay LibraryMichigan, February 11, 2012Flock (with Cedar Waxwing)
Often in large groups, especially during the winter months, and sometimes flocks with Cedar Waxwings.
© Margaret Viens / Macaulay LibraryMaine, December 30, 2008Adult
Bohemian Waxwings are social birds that occur in tight knit groups during the nonbreeding season.
© Timothy Barksdale / Macaulay LibraryMontana, January 01, 2000Not all videos have sound
Similar SpeciesCedar Waxwing
Adult
Cedar Waxwings have white (not reddish) under tail feathers and a brownish and yellow (not gray) belly. They also lack the white wing stripe on Bohemian Waxwings.
© Evan Lipton / Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, March 13, 2015Similar SpeciesCedar Waxwing
Juvenile
Juvenile Cedar Waxwings have white (not reddish) under tail feathers.
© Chris Wood / Macaulay LibraryWyoming, August 06, 2016Rotate Your Device to Better Compare
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