Japanese Waxwing

The Japanese Waxwing is a sleek, medium-sized bird with a distinctive crest and silky plumage. Its body is primarily greyish-brown, with a black mask and chin and a yellow-tipped tail. The wings feature striking white and yellow markings.

Both sexes look similar, with adults displaying bright red waxy tips on their secondary feathers. Juveniles lack these waxy tips and have a more muted overall colouration.

Japanese Waxwings produce high-pitched, trilling calls that sound like 'sree-sree-sree'. Their vocalisations are often described as thin and reedy, lacking the complexity of many songbirds. In flight, they emit a soft, buzzy 'bzeee' sound, which helps maintain flock cohesion.

• Look for flocks in fruiting trees, especially in winter
• Listen for their high-pitched, trilling calls
• Observe their distinctive silhouette with a prominent crest
• Watch for their acrobatic feeding behaviour as they reach for berries

Japanese Waxwings primarily feed on berries and small fruits, showing a particular fondness for mistletoe berries. They supplement their diet with insects, especially during the breeding season. Their ability to subsist on fermented berries allows them to survive harsh winter conditions.

Breeding occurs from late May to July, with pairs forming monogamous bonds. Japanese Waxwings construct cup-shaped nests in trees, typically 3-10 meters above ground, using twigs, grass, and moss.

Females lay 3-5 pale blue eggs with dark spots. Both parents share incubation duties, which lasts about 14 days. The eggs are oval-shaped and have a smooth, slightly glossy surface.

Nestlings are altricial and fledge after approximately 14-16 days. Parents continue to feed the young for several weeks after they leave the nest.

Japanese Waxwings are highly social, often seen in flocks outside the breeding season. They exhibit a gentle, unhurried demeanour when foraging, plucking berries with deliberate movements. During courtship, pairs may pass small objects back and forth, a behaviour known as 'gift-giving'.

Currently listed as Near Threatened, Japanese Waxwings face threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and urban development. Climate change may also affect their migration patterns and food availability. Conservation efforts focus on preserving their woodland habitats and urban green spaces.