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Sound clips and movies require Adobe Flash player. Latin nameBombycilla garrulus FamilyWaxwings (Bombycillidae) OverviewThe waxwing is a plump bird, which is slightly smaller than a starling. It has a prominent crest. It is reddish-brown with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings and a yellow-tipped tail. It does not breed in the UK, but is a winter visitor, in some years in larger numbers, called irruptions, when the population on its breeding grounds gets too big for the food available. Where to see themThe first British arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia, but birds move inland in search of food, increasing the chances of seeing one inland. When to see themOctober to March. What they eatBerries, particularly rowan and hawthorn, but also cotoneaster and rose. Estimated numbers
* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn. Distribution
Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations. Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100) |
 Waxwing Similar birdsHelp the WaxwingThe RSPB is working for a better environment for birds and people. Join today and add your voice. |
Waxwing landing on berry bush - Graham Catley
Waxwing on frosty branch - Steve Round
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)