Waxwings Bombycillidae
Waxwings are closely related to the silky-flycatchers (Ptilogonatidae) and were until recently, lumped into a single family. Some taxonomists argue that the waxwings (Bombycillidae), silky-flycatchers (Ptilogonatidae), Palmchat Dulus dominicus, and Hypocolius Hypocolius ampelinus should all be placed in one family. Waxwings are named for their red wax-like teardrop shaped extensions to the secondary feathers.


Bombycilla

There are 3 members of this genus. One is listed as near-threatened; the Japanese Waxwing Bombycilla japonica.

The Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum breeds in North America from southeast Alaska, east across southern Canada, and south into the northern USA. In response to a lack of winter fruit crops in the northern part of their range, they will migrate as far south as Costa Rica. This bird was photographed feeding on pyracantha Pyracantha coccinea berries at Cave Creek Ranch, Portal, Arizona, USA.



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