Birds of North America
Puzzle 15 · Eastern Woodland Voices · Page 29 in print
Cedar Waxwing
The “waxwing” in the Cedar Waxwing’s name comes from red, waxy tips on some wing feathers. The purpose of these unusual tips remains uncertain.
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The words
Berries
A major annual food type.
Catkins
Flower clusters sometimes decorating the outside of the nest.
Cattail Down
Soft nest material.
Dogwood
A fruit source.
Intoxication
A possible result of eating too much fermenting fruit.
National Wildlife Federation: Cedar Waxwing (opens a new tab)
Madrone
A fruit food.
Mayflies
Summer insect prey.
Midsummer
The late start of nesting in many areas.
Mountain Ash
A fruit food.
Overripe Fruit
Fruit whose fermentation can intoxicate the bird.
National Wildlife Federation: Cedar Waxwing (opens a new tab)
Russian Olive
A fruit food.
Serviceberry
A summer fruit food.
Stoneflies
Summer insect prey.
Waxy Tips
Red tips on secondary wing feathers that give the bird its name.
National Wildlife Federation: Cedar Waxwing (opens a new tab)
Wild Cherries
A fruit source.
Sources
- Cedar WaxwingNational Audubon Society
- Cedar Waxwing: Life HistoryCornell Lab of Ornithology
- Cedar WaxwingNational Wildlife Federation