The cedar waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) is named for its wax-like wing tips, and because its diet includes cedar cones – as well as fruit and insects. The genus name refers to the silky-soft plumage of these birds – Bombycilla from Ancient Greek bombux meaning silk and the Latin cilla meaning tail. Outside the breeding season, cedar waxwings often feed in large flocks numbering hundreds of birds. Adult cedar waxwings form monogamous bonds during each breeding season. Cedar waxwings are found year-round mostly in the northern half of the United States. Non-breeding winter populations are found from the Midwest and southern states down through Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and the northwestern reaches of Colombia. Summer breeding populations are found across Canada from British Columbia to Maine.
See also: Bohemian Waxwing, Waxwings
