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Waxwing

 

Listen to waxwing   

 

December is migration month for waxwings. A migrant flock of a couple of hundred waxwings has been visiting Pelgulinn in northern Tallinn for the last few days. Quite many rowan, hawthorn and black aronia fruits are still there, left by the thrushes. The flocks now clean out trees and bushes systematically. In the afternoon groups flock gather in the top branches of big poplars to digest the food for an hour or so. In the mornings, with little traffic, the so characteristic ringing sound of the birds in flight can be heard. The image of waxwings in flight with the triangular wings is very similar to that of the starlings.

 

A look at the exterior of the beautiful tundra birds: the basic colours of the silky, gleaming plumage are silk grey and reddish brown. A black streak at the eyes and a similarly-coloured patch at the throat. A splendid crest on the head crowns it all. A strong beak, with a slightly curved tip. The wing feathers black, with yellow and white patches. The tips of the primaries are yellow as is the tip of the tail.

 

Differences between young and adult birds: the young lack the black throat patch and the silky sheen is duller. Seen by binoculars the difference is noticeable.

 

 

Waxwings in maple top

 

Kairo tells us from Simuna in north-eastern Estonia: