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FAMILY: WAXWINGS |
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Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus)
They are rather large birdies; their size is even larger than that of starlings. Their very beautiful gentle plumage has ash-pink coloration; the tail ends with wide yellow strip; on the head there is a wonderful fluffy crest. If to look closely, one can see a small scarlet strip on the end of some feathers on the bird’s wings. Their voice is murmuring modulations. Waxwings nest in subarctic taiga; in more southern latitudes, they appear in flocks only during migration in early spring and in autumn. Some of such flocks are very timid, others — so trusting that allow one to approach them at the distance of up to 1 meter. The main food of waxwings in winter is berries of the wild ash. In the search for them, birds wander all winter long. Many birds in a flock keep in pairs. If one member of such a pair flies to another tree, the second bird flies after it as well. Usually, the nest is built on trees, at the height of 4-5 meters — of branches, lichen, and moss; it is lined inside with hair of northern deer. The clutch is incubated by the female, and the male brings her food. Having brought a next portion, he starts to display boastfully: goes around her with the crest straightened and wings hanging down. |
