The two species of waxwings found in North America are Bohemian waxwings (Bombycilla garrulus) and cedar waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum). They are similar in appearance to each other, both having creamy-soft pastel-shaded plumage, yellow-banded tails, tufted crests and distinctive narrow, black-masked faces.

Bohemians reside year-round in the highest altitudes of northern boreal forests, breeding in Alaska and western Canada. They are chunkier and brawnier than their more slender-bodied cousin, with a gray chest and belly, and a rust-red under-tail. The cedar has a brownish chest, yellow belly and a white under-tail, with inner wing feathers that appear to be dipped in red wax. Bohemians are less often seen than the more widespread cedars, but they occasionally wander farther south and east during the winter. Knowing the difference is handy.

Waxwings seek out fruit- and berry-bearing trees and shrubs during the coldest months of the year. A flock can strip a holly, cedar, or crab apple tree of its fruit in short order, then move on within a day or two. Although vocal, especially in flocks, their high, thin, slightly sibilant calls often go unnoticed.

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