Cedar Waxwing

1/400s at f5.6 ISO:640, Canon Mark III 1Ds w/800mm


The Cedar Waxwing breeds in open wooded areas in North America, principally southern Canada and the northern United States. Outside the breeding season, Cedar Waxwings often feed in large flocks numbering hundreds of birds. It eats berries and sugary fruit year-round, with insects becoming an important part of the diet in the breeding season. Preferred habitat consists of trees at the edge of wooded areas, or open forests, especially those that provide access to berry sources as well as water. The nest is a loose open cup built with grass and twigs, lined with softer materials and supported by a tree branch averaging 2 to 6 meters above ground. During courtship, the pair may pass a flower petal or insect back and forth repeatedly. Usually 5 or 6 eggs are laid and the female incubates them for 12 to 16 days. Both parents build the nest and feed the young. Typically, there are two broods during the mating season. Young leave the nest about 14 to 18 days after hatching. During the winter months, most of the Cedar Waxwings have migrated to the southern United States and as far as northern area of South America.
Medicine Creek, NE
 
06/01/2009