Bohemian Waxwing -- South Dakota Birds

Bohemian Waxwing

Bombycilla garrulus

Similar to its close relative, the Cedar Waxwing, Bohemian Waxwings are irregular winter visitors to the state.  Summering in the northwestern part of Canada and Alaska, Bohemian Waxwings may appear in large numbers in the state during some winters, and be largely absent in others, staying true to their "nomadic" name.    They are generally found in mixed flocks with Cedar Waxwings when in the state.

Habitat: Can be found in a wide variety of semi-open forest habitats during the winter.  Breeds in boreal forests of northern Canada and Alaska.

Diet: Primarily insects in the summer, also some fruits and berries.  Fruits and berries are the primary food in the winter.  Will also eat seeds of some trees such as birch.

Breeding: Non-breeder in South Dakota.

Song: Bohemian Waxwing Song.

Migrations:  Summers in northwestern Canada and Alaska.  Difficult to predict winter movements, with heavy irruptions well into the interior of the United Sates in some winters.

Feeders: Will come to feeders for fruits and berries.

Similar Species: Cedar Waxwing.  See Comparison Chart. 

Status: Possibly increasing in numbers and pushing its range further to the south.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Bohemian Waxwing

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Bohemian Waxwing"

3) E-nature.com: Bohemian Waxwing

Photo Information: February 12th, 2006 -- Near Brandon -- Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click here for additional higher-resolution photos of this species.

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This page was last edited on 02/03/08