I'm always fascinated by the
Cedar Waxwings that frequent the area around the East Lansing
Wild Birds Unlimited. Lately a few customers have reported seeing Bohemian Waxwings in the Lansing, MI area.
According to the
Birds of Michigan field guide, the
Bohemian Waxwings nest in northern forests in Alaska and western Canada, and visit Michigan only during winter in search of food. In most years, Bohemians are only seen in small groups, usually intermingled with overwintering flocks of the similar-looking Cedar Waxwings. However, their short tail and chestnut undertail coverts readily distinguish them from their Cedar Waxwing counterparts.
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| Bohemian Waxwing |
Waxwings get their name from the spots on their secondary feathers. These "waxy" spots are actually colorful enlargements of the feather shafts, whose pigments are derived from the birds' berry-filled diet. Juvenile birds have smaller pigment spots that will grow in size until the birds reach their adult plumage.
The Bohemian Waxwing is an irruptive species. As their name suggest they lead a nomadic lifestyle and move around based on where they can locate food. So when you hear the high pitched trill of the Cedar Waxwings, listen for the rougher and lower pitched call of the Bohemian Waxwing.
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