The Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus) is a striking passerine bird known for its elegant plumage and nomadic lifestyle. These starling-sized birds, characterized by their sleek gray bodies, distinctive crests, and vibrant wing patterns, are often seen in large, social flocks. Their wings feature unique red waxy tips that resemble sealing wax, a feature that gives them their common name. This waxy coloration is more pronounced in older males, which are preferred by females during courtship rituals that involve intricate food-passing displays[1][2][3].
Bohemian Waxwings primarily inhabit the northern forests of the Palearctic and North America, breeding in regions from Alaska to parts of Canada and the northwestern United States. During winter, they migrate southward in search of fruit, often descending en masse upon berry-laden trees. Their diet consists largely of sugary fruits, which they can metabolize efficiently; however, this diet can lead to intoxication if they consume overripe or fermented berries[4][5][6].
These birds are not only visually captivating but also exhibit fascinating social behaviors. They communicate with high-pitched trills and often forage together in tight formations, making their presence known as they flutter from tree to tree. Unlike many songbirds, Bohemian Waxwings do not establish breeding territories and instead display a unique form of courtship through gift exchanges of food items[1][5]. Their beautiful appearance and intriguing behaviors make them a favorite among birdwatchers and naturalists alike.
太平鳥（學名：Bombycilla garrulus）是一種引人注目的雀形目鳥類，以其優雅的羽毛和遊牧式的生活方式而聞名。這些體型如八哥大小的鳥類，擁有光滑的灰色身體、獨特的羽冠和鮮豔的翅膀圖案。它們的翅膀上有獨特的紅色蠟狀尖端，類似於封蠟，這也是它們名字的由來。這種蠟狀顏色在年長的雄鳥中更為明顯，是雌鳥在求偶儀式中選擇配偶的重要標誌之一，求偶時它們會進行複雜的食物傳遞展示。
太平鳥主要棲息在古北界和北美洲的北部森林地區，繁殖地從阿拉斯加延伸到加拿大和美國西北部。冬季時，它們會向南遷徙，尋找果實，經常成群結隊地降臨在果實纍纍的樹上。它們的飲食主要由甜美的果實組成，能夠高效地代謝這些糖分；然而，如果食用了過熟或發酵的漿果，它們可能會出現醉酒現象。
這些鳥類不僅外觀迷人，還展現了有趣的社會行為。它們以高音調的顫音進行交流，並常常緊密地集群覓食，從一棵樹飛到另一棵樹時，很容易被人注意到。與許多鳴禽不同，太平鳥不建立繁殖領地，而是通過食物交換進行獨特的求偶行為。它們美麗的外觀和引人入勝的行為使其成為觀鳥者和自然愛好者心中的寵兒。
Citations:
[1] https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Bombycilla_garrulus/
[2] https://animalia.bio/bohemian-waxwing
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bohemian_waxwing
[4] https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bohemian_Waxwing/id
[5] https://www.nrcm.org/nrcm-creature-feature/bohemian-waxwing/
[6] https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bohemian_Waxwing/overview
