Critters of the Week

Where Spotted: Dutch Gap
Common Name: Cedar Waxwing
Scientific Name: Bombycilla cedrorum
Length: 5.5-6.7 in (14-17 cm)
Weight: 1.1 oz (32 g)
Wingspan: 8.7-11.8 in (22-30 cm)

Quick Facts (Courtesy of the Cornell Lab)

• The name “waxwing” comes from the waxy red secretions found on the tips of the secondaries of some birds. The exact function of these tips is not known, but they may help attract mates.
• Cedar Waxwings with orange instead of yellow tail tips began appearing in the northeastern U.S. and southeastern Canada in the 1960s. The orange color is the result of a red pigment picked up from the berries of an introduced species of honeysuckle. If a waxwing eats enough of the berries while it is growing a tail feather, the tip of the feather will be orange.
• The Cedar Waxwing is one of the few North American birds that specializes in eating fruit. It can survive on fruit alone for several months. Brown-headed Cowbirds that are raised in Cedar Waxwing nests typically don’t survive, in part because the cowbird chicks can’t develop on such a high-fruit diet.
• Many birds that eat a lot of fruit separate out the seeds and regurgitate them, but the Cedar Waxwing lets them pass right through. Scientists have used this trait to estimate how fast waxwings can digest fruits.
• Because they eat so much fruit, Cedar Waxwings occasionally become intoxicated or even die when they run across overripe berries that have started to ferment and produce alcohol.

Sidenote: I’m also posting birds on Dickie’s Backyard Bird Bonanza on Facebook if you’d like to see more feathered friends.

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Judge at Richmond SPCA

They call me Judge. The ladies love me, the fellas want to be me. What can I say? I’m a pretty handsome guy. Looks aside, I’m a stoic and independent dude. Some people call me stubborn, but I just like what I like. Ever hear Frank Sinatra’s “My Way”? Well that was written about me.

I live for long walks, having my hair brushed, and learning new things. It may take some time to get in my “in-crowd” but believe me it’s worth it. I’m a loyal and, quite frankly, I’m an awesome friend. I’m looking for a very specific home to fit my needs. Please call our adoption center at 804-521-1307 to set up an appointment to meet with me!

Age: 4 years, 2 months
Gender: Neutered Male
Color: White
Size: XL (dog size guide)
ID: 41339185

Adopt Judge at Richmond SPCA

Learn more about their adoption process.

To reduce visitor traffic, during the COVID-19 outbreak they are scheduling adoption appointments beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Please leave your phone number in a voicemail or email and an adoption counselor will call to set an appointment for you to meet with a pet. Email the adoption center or call 804-521-1307.