WAXWINGS AND PHAINOPEPLAS 



389 



Fig. 480. Cedar Waxwing. 



Like the Bohemian waxwing the cedar-birds are wanderers, travel- 

 ing over the country in flocks except during their late breeding sea- 

 son. Sometimes they appear in small bands of less than a score, at 

 others in such large companies that when they alight in a pepper- 

 tree and fall to eating the berries their plump, moving forms seen 

 through the foliage make the trees seem alive with their numbers. 



Though they all talk at once, as they usually do, their sibilant 

 notes are so soft and subdued .that a passer-by would scarcely heed 

 their presence. 



However much romance there may be in the famous stories recit- 

 ing the politeness and affection of these gentle birds, they merit all 



