Waxwings & Tanagers

These two groups aren’t closely related, but grouped here for ‘space’ concerns. Tanagers belong in the family Thraupidae, a group found only in the New World. Waxwings (family Bombycillidae) comprise only three species worldwide. They are believed not to migrate great distances, but will ‘wander’, often in large groups in non-breeding seasons in search of berries to eat. Waxwings get their name from specialized wing feathers that look as though wax is dripping from their wings. This gallery displays the Bohemian Waxwing, Cedar Waxwing, Flame-Colored Tanager, Hepatic Tanager, Scarlet Tanager, Summer Tanager, and Western Tanager.