The Bohemian Waxwing is a rare winter visitor from the far north. It breeds in Scandinavia and Siberia and reaches Central Europe mainly when berry supplies in the north fail. In such “irruption years,” flocks of dozens or even hundreds can appear — a remarkable event for birdwatchers.



EN: Bohemian Waxwing
NL: Pestvogel
DE: Seidenschwanz
Scientific name: Bombycilla garrulus

Identification

Size: 18–20 cm

Plumage:

Silky grey overall appearance

Orange facial patch with a black eye-mask

Yellow-tipped tail

Red wax-like wing tips (“wax wings”)

Sexes: Male and female look nearly identical

Winter habitat

Gardens with berry-rich shrubs

Towns and villages

Parks and orchards

Cemeteries

Waxwings move strictly according to berry availability.

Diet

Rowan berries

Hawthorn

Sorbus species

Ligustrum

Cotoneaster

Fallen fruit (apples, pears)

They can strip a berry bush completely in a short time.

Behavior

Always in flocks

Calm, not shy

High ringing call

Often perches at the tops of trees

Feeds systematically on berry sources

Importance for gardens

A Waxwing in your garden is very rare and a major highlight for viewers.
Its presence usually indicates a northern berry failure and a corresponding winter irruption.