Silkyflycatchers

Silkyflycatchers are a small family of birds, Bombycillidae, found in North and Central America. They are characterized by their soft, silky plumage, which gives them their name. These birds are medium-sized passerines, typically with relatively short necks and long, pointed wings. Their tails are often moderately long and can be squared or slightly forked. Silkyflycatchers are generally gray, brown, or olive in color, with some species exhibiting subtle markings or crests. They are often found in coniferous forests, woodlands, and riparian areas. Their diet primarily consists of insects and fruit, and they are known to be agile foragers, often catching insects in mid-air. The family contains only three extant species: the Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus), the Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum), and the Japanese Waxwing (Bombycilla japonica). These species are migratory, with some populations undertaking long-distance journeys to find food sources. Silkyflycatchers are known for their social behavior, often forming flocks outside of the breeding season. Their nests are typically cup-shaped and built in trees.