Rare Bohemian Waxwings Spotted Across Maine

Birders excited to catch glimpses of the colorful, boisterous cousins of the more common cedar waxwing

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Bohemian waxwings, a rare bird species in Maine, have been spotted in increasing numbers across the state in recent weeks, delighting local birders. These larger and more colorful cousins of the ubiquitous cedar waxwing have been sighted in flocks as large as several hundred birds, feasting on ornamental berries and fruits before moving on to the next food source.

Why it matters

Bohemian waxwings are an irruptive species, meaning their numbers and migration patterns can fluctuate dramatically from year to year. Their increased presence in Maine this winter is an exciting event for the state's birding community, providing a rare opportunity to observe these striking birds up close.

The details

Bohemian waxwings are distinguished from their cedar waxwing cousins by their larger size, cinnamon-colored undertail feathers, and more vibrant whites and yellows in their wing patterns. They typically breed in the boreal forests of Alaska and northwestern Canada, but will sometimes venture farther south in search of winter food sources.

  • Over the past few weeks, flocks of bohemian waxwings have been spotted with more frequency across Maine.
  • In the winter of 1996, a rare influx of bohemian waxwings occurred in the Ithaca, New York area, coinciding with local birding competitions.

The players

Jeffrey V. Wells

A Fellow of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Vice President of Boreal Conservation for National Audubon, Dr. Wells is one of the nation's leading bird experts and conservation biologists.

Allison Childs Wells

Formerly of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, she is a senior director at the Natural Resources Council of Maine and a widely published natural history writer.

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What they’re saying

“We enjoy calling bohemian waxwings 'grizzly bear birds.' Don't worry, they won't attack you, but they do share much of their North American breeding range with grizzly bears, nesting from Alaska across northwestern Canada.”

— Jeffrey V. Wells (Boothbay Register)

“Back in 1996, when the bohemian waxwings came to town, it was a wonderful, fun time for the birders of Ithaca. Many of us got to soak in views of those beautiful birds and share the experience with the community of like-minded bird lovers found there.”

— Allison Childs Wells (Boothbay Register)

What’s next

Birders across Maine will be keeping a close eye out for more sightings of bohemian waxwings in the coming weeks as the birds continue to move through the state in search of food.

The takeaway

The influx of rare bohemian waxwings in Maine this winter is an exciting event for the state's birding community, providing a unique opportunity to observe these striking and boisterous birds up close. Their presence also highlights the dynamic nature of bird migration patterns and the importance of providing diverse food sources to support these species.