Bohemian Waxwing

A sleek bird with a prominent crest and silky, peach-brown plumage. It breeds in the high-latitude taiga forests of Scandinavia and Russia. It is a winter visitor to Central and Western Europe. Waxwings become more abundant in Central Europe when berry crops in the north fail. It is often seen in gardens and car parks with ornamental berry bushes.

Waxwings are highly social and travel in tight, buzzing flocks. In winter, they are specialized fruit-eaters and can consume hundreds of berries a day. They are remarkably tame and allow humans to approach closely. Their flight is fast and starling-like. They communicate with a high-pitched, silvery trilling call.