Cedar Waxwings are strikingly beautiful birds that can be found across North America. With silky smooth plumage in shades of brown, gray, and yellow, accented by a dash of red wax-like tips on some of their wing feathers, it’s no wonder that these birds catch the eye of observant birdwatchers. But why do Cedar Waxwings have such a sleek, polished look compared to other birds? There are several reasons for their satiny appearance.
Satin Sheen
One major factor is the naturally smooth structure of Cedar Waxwing feathers. The feathers contain very little barbulation – the small hooks that normally link feather barbs together into a stiffer vane. With fewer barbules, the feathers of the Cedar Waxwing do not interlock as tightly, creating a softer and silkier texture. The wings in particular appear smooth and supple. This gives the feathers a lovely satin sheen, especially when backlit by sunlight.
Preen Oil
Another element contributing to the Cedar Waxwing’s dapper style is preen oil. Like all birds, Cedar Waxwings have a uropygial gland at the base of their tail that produces an oil used to dress and coat their feathers as they preen. This oil contains waxes and fats that waterproof and protect the feathers. In Cedar Waxwings, their preen oil may be more abundant, distributed more evenly, or contain a unique composition of ingredients that could enhance the satin-like shimmer of their plumage.
Molting Strategy
Cedar Waxwings also molt their feathers gradually and symmetrically compared to many other birds. This means that feathers are replaced individually over an extended period, rather than in big distinct waves. Their molt does not leave them looking disheveled or scruffy. With no ragged, contrasting sets of newer and older feathers, their appearance remains sleek and coordinated.
Coloration
The specific colors of Cedar Waxwing plumage also contribute to their put-together look. Soft brownish-gray, pale yellow, and white create a muted, monochromatic effect. There is very little patterning or spotting. This flat, blended color scheme results in a very smooth, seamless impression. The small dashes of bright red wax drops strategically placed on the tips of secondary wing feathers provide a touch of accent color. But overall, their subdued colors are naturally quite smooth and blended.
Behavior
Interestingly, the behavior of Cedar Waxwings also seems to enhance their suave style. With fastidious preening habits, these birds spend much time meticulously grooming their feathers to maintain their appearance. Cedar Waxwings also seem to take care when flying and landing to not ruffle their sleek silhouette. And unlike many flocking songbirds, Cedar Waxwings have a graceful, somewhat leisurely way of perching and moving about. Their smooth looks are mirrored in their smooth moves.
Details on Feather Structure
To better understand why Cedar Waxwing feathers are so uniquely smooth, let’s take a closer look at some of the structural details:
Few Barbules
- Feather barbules are tiny, hair-like structures that extend from the sides of the feather barbs. They are equipped with tiny hooks or barbicels that interlock with the barbules of adjacent barbs.
- In most bird species, there are many barbules along each barb, creating an extensive interlocking network that holds the feather vane together firmly.
- Cedar Waxwing feathers have only a small number of barbules – often 5 or less emerging from each side of each barb.
- With fewer opportunities to link together, the feather vanes appear looser and more supple.
Reduced Barbule Hooking
- Even with their limited number of barbules, Cedar Waxwings also have simpler hooking structures.
- Most small passerines have elongated, pointed hooklets at the end of their barbules to snag onto neighboring feathers.
- Waxwing barbicels are blunt and rounded at the tip, with minimal hooking capacity.
- So even where barbules are present, they do not create an extensive interlocking network.
Narrow Barb Angles
- In most bird feathers, the barbs branch off the central feather shaft at steep angles – usually 30-45 degrees.
- The wide angles between barbs create spaces that enhance interlocking between adjacent barbs.
- Cedar Waxwing barbs are set at very narrow, acute angles of around 15-20 degrees.
- The narrow barb angles bring the barbs closely together, reducing space for barbules to interlock.
Weak Barb Strength
- The actual strength and structure of the barbs themselves is also a factor.
- Robust, stiff barbs encourage stronger interlocking between feather branches.
- Cedar Waxwing barbs are relatively fine, flexible, and not tightly packed.
- This structure is simply more supple and silky overall.
Preen Oil Composition
The unique composition of Cedar Waxwing preen oil likely enhances the glossy appearance of their plumage:
Oily and Waxy
- The preen oil of Cedar Waxwings contains a high ratio of fats relative to proteins.
- The fats include both liquid oils and hard waxes, resulting in an ointment-like consistency.
- When rubbed into the feathers, these oils and waxes seal and smooth the tiny edges of the feather structure.
- This appears to polish and lubricate the surface for a sleeker look and feel.
UV-reflective Ingredients
- Some studies have identified specific compounds like retinoids and carotenoids in Cedar Waxwing preen oil.
- These types of molecules can reflect and scatter UV light, enhancing visible sheen.
- By producing preen oil rich in UV-interactive compounds, Cedar Waxwings essentially apply a gloss-boosting cosmetic sheen when preening.
Antibacterial Additives
- The preen oil also contains antibacterial fatty acids and alcohols.
- By preventing microbial growth on feathers, these compounds maintain smooth feather integrity and luster over time.
Self-replenishing Oils
- Finally, Cedar Waxwings seem to have large uropygial glands relative to their body size.
- This may allow them to produce copious preen oil to lavishly and frequently treat their feathers.
Masterful Molting Strategy
In addition to specialized feathers and preen oil, Cedar Waxwings replace their feathers in a unique synchronized way that maintains their dapper style:
Molting Feature | Description | Appearance Impact |
---|---|---|
Gradual | Feathers are replaced individually over an extended period of 4-5 months. | Prevents patchy, ragged look during molt. |
Symmetrical | Matching feathers on each side are replaced simultaneously. | Maintains balanced, coordinated look. |
Consistent Timing | Molting begins at same time each summer across individuals. | Flock appears uniformly sleek, not mix of new and old feathers. |
Body Molt Sequence
Cedar Waxwings follow a consistent molting sequence that facilitates their graceful appearance:
- Breeding adults begin molt shortly after end of breeding season.
- Molt starts with head, body feathers, tail, and wing coverts.
- Flight feathers are replaced last.
- By delaying flight feather molt, birds maintain flight ability and avoid disheveled post-molt look.
Juvenile Molt Timing
- Juvenile Cedar Waxwings molt twice in their first year – once in late summer/early fall, and again in early spring.
- This schedule replaces the initial drab juvenile plumage before fall migration and winter flocking occur.
- It results in sleek, mature-looking plumage on young birds within the first year.
Subdued Coloration
The muted colors of Cedar Waxwing plumage create a smooth, blended, monochromatic look:
Soft Browns
- Shades of brown ranging from warm tan to cool gray-brown provide the main backdrop.
- This avoids high-contrast darks and lights in the plumage.
- Browns mix seamlessly together into a unified whole.
Wash of Pale Yellow
- A pale lemon yellow tint suffuses the chest, belly, and tail tip.
- The yellow has low saturation – it is pale and subtle.
- It blends softly into the brown and white tones.
Clean White Undersides
- Crisp white underparts provide contrast without disrupting the smooth color flow.
- Narrow white lines on the folded wing also integrate cleanly.
Red Wax Drops
- Small red appendages at the tips of secondary wing feathers provide accent.
- Their wax-like texture softens the vibrancy of the red.
- Sparse placement prevents them from appearing too flashy.
Graceful Perching, Movement, and Flight
Beyond just physical appearance, Cedar Waxwings exhibit graceful style in how they move and behave:
Relaxed Perching Posture
- Cedar Waxwings often perch in a slouched, laid-back posture instead of rigidly upright.
- Their wings and tail drape loosely and naturally.
- This casual perching stance contributes to their smooth, carefree air.
Deliberate Movements
- When hopping along branches or moving on the ground, Cedar Waxwings have a measured, deliberate quality.
- Their movements seem smooth, not jerky or frantic.
Soaring Flight
- In flight, Cedar Waxwings often glide gracefully between flaps.
- Their long wings allow them to ride air currents efficiently once aloft.
- This creates a smooth, swooping flight style.
Soft Flocking and Social Behavior
- Cedar Waxwings coordinate movements with flock mates, like a choreographed dance.
- Their social behavior has a fluid, cruisy feel compared to other highly social birds.
- This adds to their smooth, polished impression.
Conclusion
In summary, Cedar Waxwings have an enviably sleek, satiny appearance owing to some specific adaptations:
- Specialized plumage structure with few interlocking barbules
- Abundant preen oils containing unique compounds
- A long, symmetrical, gradual molt sequence
- Softly blended plumage colors and patterns
- Graceful perching, movement, and flight style
Their sophisticated, coordinated look appears meticulously cared for. Effortless style comes natural to these classy birds. The next time you have the pleasure of seeing Cedar Waxwings, take a moment to admire and appreciate their smooth Operator appearance.