CEDAR WAXWING: BEAUTIFUL BERRY BANDIT

Every winter, familiar, high-pitched whistles gently pierce the cold Texas air. Flocks of black-masked, berry-snatching bandits appear from the north. The trill of their call, the sleekness of their form, and the bright droplets of color at the terminus of their feathers are unmistakable. This is the Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum), one of two waxwing species (the other being Bohemian Waxwings (Bombycilla garrulus) residing in more northern latitudes).

Cedar Waxwings are silky, medium sized birds with yellow bellies, light brownish-gray crested heads, and black masks lined in white, across their eyes. Their name derives from the red wax-like marking on the tips of their secondary feathers. The tips of their tail feathers look as though they were dipped in yellow paint. Mostly frugivorous (toss that into conversation at your next cocktail party), they assemble at berry-yielding trees such as Ashe juniper, yaupon, beautyberry, and dogwood.

Their appreciation for fruit carries interesting repercussions, however. An introduced Eurasian honeysuckle bears fruit that if consumed enough, has turned populations of waxwing’s tail feathers bright orange instead of yellow. Perhaps more disquieting, waxwings are known to eat exceedingly ripe, fermented fruit to the point of intoxication. This over-imbibing can lead to alcohol poisoning and even death (maybe don’t invite a Cedar Waxwing to your next cocktail party). Stories recount small groups flying directly into moving vehicles and reflective window panes.

So each winter when you hear the Cedar Waxwing's clear trills in the cedar, take comfort in the fact you have not spotlessly cleaned your windows or sliding glass doors before your holiday guests arrive. It's your Cedar Waxwing safety measure.

NOTE: How to prevent birds from flying into your glass windows and doors? Check out Top 10 Things You Can Do To Prevent Window Strikes on BirdWatchersDigest.com.

Plateau Land & Wildlife Management provides services and products for rural landowners throughout the Texas Hill Country and beyond. For more information, visit www.PlateauWildlife.com.