waxwing

Definition

A type of songbird known for its sleek plumage, distinctive crest, and the red or yellow waxy tips on its wing feathers. Common species include the cedar waxwing and Bohemian waxwing, both known for eating berries.

Example Usage

A flock of waxwings descended on the holly bushes in winter, stripping the berries within hours.

Origin

Named for the distinctive waxy, resinous tips on the secondary flight feathers that resemble sealing wax; 'wax' + 'wing' is a direct English descriptive term.

Fun Fact

Waxwings have an unusually short digestive system and can become intoxicated from fermenting berries, leading to tipsy or clumsy flight behavior.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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