Bohemian waxwing

The Bohemian Waxwing: A Starling-Sized Wonder

Imagine a bird that’s as enchanting as it is mysterious, with plumage that shimmers like the northern lights and a name that evokes the bohemian lifestyle of artists and poets. The Bohemian waxwing, a starling-sized passerine bird, is indeed a marvel to behold. With its buff-grey plumage, black face markings, and pointed crest, it’s no wonder this species has captured the imagination of ornithologists and nature enthusiasts alike.

A Breeding Habitat of Coniferous Forests

These birds breed in northern forests, where they choose coniferous habitats near water. It’s a place where pairs build cup-shaped nests in trees or bushes, creating cozy homes for their young. But what makes these breeding grounds so special? Could it be the abundance of berries that ripen just as the chicks are hatching?

Parental Care and Feeding

Females incubate eggs for 13-14 days, a period that seems like an eternity to those eagerly awaiting new life. Once the chicks hatch, both parents take turns feeding them with insects initially and then mainly fruit. It’s a delicate balance of care and responsibility, ensuring the survival of these tiny creatures.

Winter Feeding Habits: A Feast for the Eyes

In winter, Bohemian waxwings can be found in towns and gardens, particularly where rowan berries are abundant. These birds have a unique way of feeding; they catch prey by flycatching or picking off vegetation, consuming several hundred berries a day. The diet is rich in sugar but deficient in other nutrients, requiring large quantities to survive.

Metabolizing Ethanol: A Natural Phenomenon

Interestingly, these birds can metabolize ethanol more efficiently than humans and may become intoxicated from the alcohol found in fermenting fruit. This natural phenomenon raises questions about how this adaptation might have evolved over time.

Hazards of the Season: Predation and Collisions

While their diet is fascinating, Bohemian waxwings face numerous hazards. Predation by birds of prey and merlins, as well as collisions with windows and cars, pose significant threats to their survival. Add to that the ingestion of toxic substances such as ethanol from road salt consumption, and it’s clear these birds have a lot to contend with.

Migration Patterns: A Journey of Survival

The Bohemian waxwing’s migratory pattern varies by region. Eastern Britain birds migrate to western Europe, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and northern China, while North American birds travel to southeast Canada and the northeastern US states. The migration starts in September but can be earlier for birds farther south.

Wintering Grounds: A Gathering of Flocks

In winter, these birds often move farther south in poor fruit years, sometimes in large numbers. Over half a million waxwings were recorded in Germany alone during the winter of 2004-2005. These gatherings are not just for survival; they also help disperse seeds and contribute to the ecosystem’s health.

Conservation Status: A Species of Least Concern

The global population of Bohemian waxwings has been estimated at over three million birds, with a breeding range covering about 12.8 million km². Despite facing various threats, the species is classified as being of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to its high numbers and large breeding area.

As we marvel at the beauty and resilience of the Bohemian waxwing, it’s clear that these birds are more than just a fleeting glimpse in our forests. They represent a complex web of survival strategies, adaptations, and interactions with their environment. The next time you spot one, take a moment to appreciate this starling-sized wonder of nature.