| Waxwings facts | - Waxwings get their name from the waxy-red tips to some wing feathers
- They breed throughout the wooded areas of
Scandinavia, Siberia and North America - Waxwings winter south of their breeding range, wherever there is a good crop of berries
- The largest flocks so far this year have been in Scotland, but flocks of up to 50 waxwings have been seen at many locations throughout eastern England, and more are expected as the Scottish birds filter south
- Influxes of waxwings are often associated with severe weather, though availability of food is a more likely factor
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Bird lovers are on the lookout for one of Britain's most attractive and enigmatic birds, waxwings, following the arrival of high numbers into the UK this month. | "Check out local berry bushes and fruit trees - you might be lucky enough to find one of these unmistakable, starling-sized birds for yourself" | | Andy Waters |
Small numbers of waxwings visit Britain each year, always attracting considerable interest. But this looks set to be one of the best years on record, with flocks of several hundred already in Scotland and smaller flocks appearing from the east of England. Waxwings breed in Scandinavia, where they feed on insects during the summer. In winter, they switch to berries, especially the soft juicy berries of rowan trees. If the berry crop is poor in Scandinavia, they are forced to travel farther south and west in search of food, and it is in these years that large numbers invade Britain.
 | | Waxwing |
Andy Waters, RSPB Public Affairs, said: "Waxwings are one of the most beautiful and easiest birds to identify and get their name from the waxy red tips to some of their wing feathers, although you need a good view to see these. "Check out local berry bushes and fruit trees - you might be lucky enough to find one of these unmistakable, starling-sized birds for yourself." Spotting a Waxwing Look for their dark salmon-pink and grey plumage topped off by an impressive crest. They have a black mask and bib, yellow and white wings bars and yellow tip to the tail. They are frequently found in retail parks and supermarket car parks planted with bushes such as cotoneaster, firethorn, rowan and guelder rose. Waxwings are relatively tame and easy to see, so seeing these berry-guzzling beauties can easily enliven a shopping trip. | 
