CEDAR WAXWING FLIPPING AN OLIVE

The two North American waxwings are the most fructivorous (fruit-eating) of all our bird species. They can be found much of the year feeding on fresh, dried, or frozen fruit. Here in northeast Colorado the Russian olive tree is the wintertime staple of wa

CEDAR WAXWING BILL CLEANING

A cedar waxwing uses his perch as a napkin to wipe his bill.

CEDAR WAXWING FEEDING

Anatomy and flight mechanics of waxwings shows they are related to the European starling. Their high, soft voices carry surprisingly well and have ventriloquistic properties.

RUSSIAN OLIVES SUSTAIN WINTER BIRDS

During the recent drought farmers and other water interests chose the Russian olive as a scapegoat and have mounted campaigns to eradicate the exotic tree in many places. Anti-olive propagandists even go so far as to assert that the species has no wildlif

WAX WINGS

Waxwings get their name from the solid, brightly colored "wax" tips on their secondaries. These bright red marking contrast beautifully with bright yellow tail tips.