WAX WING 141 



Waxwing ; Cedar-bird : Ampelis cedrorum. 



(Plate VIII. p. 142.) 



Geographic Distribution. — North. America ; in the east 

 breeds from Virginia and the highlands of South Carolina 

 north to Labrador ; winters from the northern United States 

 to Central America. 



If you were to ask a dozen persons which were 

 their favorite birds you would probably get widely 

 varying answers, it is so largely a matter of per- 

 sonal associations. But there are certain birds 

 to whom every one is attracted, and the gentle, 

 smooth-coated, fawn-colored Wax wings stand high 

 on the list. 



In the fall, one may sometimes be fortunate 

 enough to see one of their large bands, several 

 hundred, the majority of which are young birds ; 

 and in winter one may have the rare pleasure of 

 discovering a little bare tree filled with apple -like 

 forms, which on closer view prove to be the gently 

 lisping beauties, the sight of which always arouses 

 pleasant memories. In the early summer, when 

 other birds have gone to nesting, small companies, 

 often of five, seven, nine, or eleven, will still be 

 seen together ; but by July they may be found in 

 pairs, building in the orchards. Although it is 

 always a pleasure to see them, they are particu- 

 larly well worth watching at the nest. They are 

 birds of remarkable affection and intelligence, and 

 their habits are peculiarly interesting. By raising 

 and lowering their crests they gain great variety 



