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Memphis, TN. In a large flock of Cedar Waxwings that have been visiting, one has bright red tips on its tailfeathers instead of the normal yellow like the rest of the flock. I've heard that eating some sort of honeysuckle in the NE and Canada can create orange tips if the birds are young, but I can't find any info that identifies the cause of bright red tailfeather tips. (They definitely are red, not orange.) Anyone have any idea as to why the one bird is so different?

From The Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior: "In some areas of eastern North america, Cedar Waxwings with orange tail bands have become increasingly common... when exotic shrub honeysuckles became wildely established... the exact color depends on how much exotic honeysuckle fruit the bird ate during feather growth."

Thanks, Ephily. I guess this one had a feast....