Bombycilla garrulus

Interesting facts: In some years, in autumn there is a right invasion of bohemian waxwings taking place in Germany. Presumably, this indicates an early and severe start of winter in their Siberian/Scandinavian home lands. In Germany, they find even in winter their favourite food such as rowan berries, dog roses, apples and above all mistletoe. Usually, the bird moves around in swarms of several hundred fellow birds.

Characteristics: Overall impression is beige-brown, large light brown feather cap, yellow angular pattern on the primary feathers, red horn platelets on the secondary feathers; tail with yellow tips; legs short, dark grey

Body length: Less than 20 cm (sparrow length), 20 to 30 cm (blackbird length)

Distribution: Breeding bird of pine and birch forests of Northern Scandinavia and Russia, in Middle Europe only as a winter guest