The Japanese waxwing is a fairly small passerine bird in the waxwing family found in the eastern Palaearctic, where it breeds south of the breeding range of the related Bohemian waxwing, but overlaps extensively with it in winter. It feeds mainly on fruit and berries but also eats insects during the summer. The nest is a cup of twigs lined with grass and moss which is built in a tree. In males, the secondary wing feathers have red tips, the resemblance of which to sealing wax gives these birds their common name. It is listed by IUCN as Near Threatened, due to loss and degradation of its preferred forest habitat.
Region
East Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds in mixed and coniferous forests of the Russian Far East, northeast China, and occasionally northern Japan, favoring forest edges and riparian woodlands. In winter it disperses southward to Japan, the Korean Peninsula, and eastern China, frequently using urban parks, shrines, and gardens with fruiting trees. It selects habitats with abundant berry resources, including ornamental plantings. During migration and winter it can be quite nomadic, shifting with fruit availability.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A sleek, crested waxwing of East Asia, it breeds in the eastern Palearctic and winters widely in Japan, Korea, and eastern China. The red, wax-like tips on the secondary feathers give waxwings their name. It is often seen in tight, nomadic winter flocks visiting berry-laden trees in towns and parks. The species is considered Near Threatened due to loss and degradation of forest habitats.
Two Japanese waxwings feeding on berries
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct flight
Social Behavior
Highly gregarious outside the breeding season, forming tight flocks that roam widely in search of fruit. Pairs are monogamous during breeding, constructing a cup nest of twigs lined with grasses and moss in trees. They often nest in loose colonies where suitable habitat and food coincide.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Usually quiet, giving high, thin trills and sibilant, bell-like whistles. Calls carry well and are often the first clue to an overhead flock.
