Cedar Waxwing was known as the 'Cedar-bird' 100 years ago

                                                                                            Photo by BarrytheBirder

"There is no bird so well groomed as the waxwing, which takes scrupulous care so that there is never a feather out of place ... or a spot of dirt to be found anywhere on its velvety coat".

So said A. Radclyyfe Dugmore in his book "Bird Homes" published in Toronto, Ontario, in 1900.   The 'Cedar-bird' is of course the Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedorum).   A group of Cedar Waxwings is called and "ear-full" or a "museum" of waxwings.   Cedar Waxwings are named for the waxy red tips of their secondary wings feathers, but the purpose of these waxy secretions is officially unknown.   They like to nest in cedar trees or fruit-bearing trees, where in winter they can feed on abundant berries of many kinds.   They are common in all seasons here in southern Ontario.

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BarrytheBirder