Waxwing (Family Bombycillidae)
The waxwings form the Genus Bombycilla of passerine birds.
According to most authorities, this is the only genus placed in the
Family Bombycillidae.
Waxwings are characterised by soft silky plumage. They have unique
red tips to some of the wing feathers where the shafts extend beyond
the barbs; in the Bohemian and cedar waxwings, these tips look like
sealing wax, and give the group its common name. The legs are short
and strong, and the wings are pointed. The male and female have the
same plumage. All three species have mainly brown plumage, a black
line through the eye and black under the chin, a square-ended tail with
a red or yellow tip, and a pointed crest. The bill, eyes, and feet are dark.
Calls are high-pitched, buzzing or trilling monosyllables.
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