Field note 07
Waxwings
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Bohemian waxwing · Zīdaste
Bombycilla garrulus
- Found in Latvia?
- Yes · autumn and winter visitor
- Habitat
- Northern forests in the breeding season; parks, gardens, and fruiting trees in winter.
- Diet
- Insects in summer; mainly berries and other fruit in winter.
Appearance and behaviour
The Bohemian waxwing has soft grey-brown plumage, a prominent crest, a black face mask, and a yellow band at the tip of the tail. Small red tips on some wing feathers resemble sealing wax and give the bird its English name. Flocks keep in contact with fine, trilling calls.
Waxwings breed in northern forests and wander south in search of food during autumn and winter. Numbers vary considerably between years. Rowan trees in towns can attract substantial flocks; a suitable berry crop appears to matter more than the distinction between countryside and a supermarket car park.
Occurrence in Latvia
An autumn and winter visitor to Latvia, with numbers varying between seasons. Fruiting rowans and other berry-bearing trees in parks, gardens, and streets are good places to look.
Further reading: Latvian bird records.
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