Bombycilla japonica
The Japanese Waxwing (Bombycilla japonica) is an exquisite passerine bird, renowned for its elegant crest and vibrant plumage. Averaging 15-18 cm (6-7 inches) in length with a wingspan of 29-32 cm and weighing 30-60 grams, its body is primarily a delicate pinkish-grey, complemented by a striking, erect reddish-brown crest. Distinctive field marks include a bold black mask across the eyes and a black chin patch, contrasted by a prominent black tail tipped with a rich red band. The primaries fe...
Japanese Waxwings primarily inhabit open coniferous or mixed forests, especially along river valleys and forest edges, during the breeding season. In winter, they favor urban parks, gardens, and orchards, often at lower elevations, where abundant fruit trees are available.
Primarily frugivorous, especially consuming various berries such as sorbus, viburnum, juniper, and dogwood in winter. During the breeding season, their diet supplements with insects like flies and mosquitoes, which are crucial for feeding nestlings.
Outside the breeding season, Japanese Waxwings are highly social, forming large, often nomadic flocks that can number in the hundreds or even thousands, constantly searching for fruit-laden trees. Their foraging strategy is primarily gleaning berries from branches, often hanging upside down acrob...
The Japanese Waxwing breeds across a broad expanse of south-central and eastern Siberia, extending from Transbaikalia eastward through Sakhalin Island and the Kamchatka Peninsula, as well as in northeastern China (Heilongjiang province) and potentially North Korea. During the winter months, these...
Least Concern
- The 'wax' on their secondary feathers is actually a waxy, red secretion, the function of which is still not fully understood but may relate to mate attraction or feather maintenance. - Japanese Waxwings are highly nomadic outside the breeding season, undertaking large-scale irruptive movements ...