Bohemian Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus
Flight call description A high, sharply trilled "zeeee". Also a high, relatively short, pure-toned, descending "tseew".
Fig.1. Maryland February 14, 1994 (MO).
"Zeeee" call from perched bird.
Fig.2. Maryland February 14, 1994 (MO).
"Tseew" call from perched bird.
Examples
Diurnal calling sequences:
1. Maryland February 14, 1994 (MO). Perched bird.
2. Minnesota November 27, 2000 (WRE). Perched flock that takes off.
3. Minnesota November 27, 2000 (WRE). Flock in flight includes probable alarm call. Black-capped Chickadee calling in the background.
Similar species Cedar Waxwing's trill note similar but higher and with finer modulations. Bohemian's "tseew" note is shorter than Cedar Waxwing's "sweeeew".
Behavior Migrates both day and night (presumed nocturnal migrant based on Cedar Waxwing behavior). Flight call given regularly by both perched and flying birds during the day.