| Waxwing facts | - Waxwings get their name from the waxy-red tips to some wing feathers.
- Waxwings breed throughout the wooded areas of Scandinavia, Siberia and North America. They 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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Waxwings are annual winter visitors to Britain in small numbers, and always attract considerable interest when they occur. Occasionally, though, many more arrive on our shores, and this looks set to be one of the best years on record, with flocks of several hundred already in Scotland, and smaller flocks appearing throughout eastern England.
 | | Waxwings (pic: Tom Marshall) |
Waxwings breed in Scandinavia, where they feed on insects during the summer. In winter, they switch to feeding on 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. | "Waxwings can be relatively tame, and easy to see, so a shopping trip can be easily enlivened by seeing these berry-guzzling beauties. " | | Ian Barthorpe, RSPB |
Waxwings are one of the easiest birds to identify, with 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 get their name from the waxy red tips to some of their wing feathers, although you need a good view to see these. Encouraging people to keep an eye open for these stunning birds, RSPB spokesman Ian Barthorpe said: 'Small flocks have already been seen in many coastal towns and villages in Norfolk and Suffolk, feeding on berries before moving farther inland. As the berries are eaten in one area, they quickly move on in search of food.
 | | Flock of waxwings (pic: Tom Marshall) |
'Check any local berry bushes and fruit trees, and you might be lucky enough to find one of these unmistakable, starling-sized birds for yourself.' He continued: 'In a waxwing invasion, like this year, they are frequently found in retail parks and supermarket car parks, as these areas are increasingly planted with bushes such as cotoneaster, firethorn, rowan and guelder rose. 'Waxwings can be relatively tame, and easy to see, so a shopping trip can be easily enlivened by seeing these berry-guzzling beauties. However, when the berries are gone, so will the waxwings, so enjoy them while they are there.' |
