Definition:

(noun) Scientific bird family classification that includes all waxwing species. Genetic analysis has also determined that silky flycatchers are rightly added to the Bombycillidae family, but agreement on that inclusion is not yet universal and silky flycatchers are occasionally still placed in the Ptilogonatidae family. Even combined, there are fewer than a dozen birds in this family, but they are distributed around the world, including in North America, Central America, northern Europe, Asia and the Middle East.


Despite the wide distribution of these birds, most members of the family share a number of distinct characteristics, including:

• Prominent crest that can be raised or lowered depending on the bird’s posture and attitude
• Forest habitat preferences, coniferous or deciduous depending on the season and species
• Short, broad bill to accommodate a generally frugivorous diet, though insects are also essential, particularly for young birds
• Mask-like facial markings that give the birds a bandit or rogue appearance; particularly for waxwings and less common with silky flycatchers

Familiar birds in the Bombycillidae family include the cedar waxwing, Japanese waxwing, phainopepla and grey hypocolius.

Photo – Bohemian Waxwing © David Restivo, NPS

Pronunciation:

BAHM-bee-sihl-ih-deye or BAHM-bee-sihl-ih-day

Also Known As:

Waxwings