How to Age Bohemian Waxwings

Photo 1. Adult Bohemian Waxwings differ from first year birds mainly by the white tips to the inner webs of the primaries, which form white check marks pointing upwards on the folded primaries. Compare with a first year bird below. Banders can sometimes recognize second year birds, which are essentially adults. Photo taken 22 March 2013 in Toronto.

Photo 2. First year Bohemian Waxwing also have yellow and white tips to the outer webs of the primaries, but lack the white tips forming upward hooks on the folded primaries. First year birds average fewer and smaller red tips to secondaries or have none. Compare with adult in Photo 1. Photo taken 22 March 2013 in Toronto.