How Do You Spell WAXWING?

Pronunciation: [wˈakswɪŋ] (IPA)

The word "waxwing" may seem like an odd combination of letters, but its spelling can be easily explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "wax," is pronounced with a short "a" sound and the "w" is pronounced like the start of the word "why." The second syllable, "wing," uses a long "i" sound and the hard "g" sound at the end. Together, the word is pronounced as "waks-wing" and is a common name for a bird species known for its waxy red wingtips.

WAXWING Meaning and Definition

1. A waxwing refers to any of the species within the passerine bird family Bombycillidae, specifically characterized by soft, silky plumage and ornamental crests on their heads. The name "waxwing" is derived from the waxy red appendages found on their wing feathers, giving the impression of dipped wax. These birds are medium-sized, with the Cedar waxwing being the most prominent species. Waxwings display distinctive features such as a sleek grey-brown body, a mask-like black strip across their eyes, and a broad tail with yellow or red tips.

   With an elegant appearance, waxwings primarily inhabit temperate and subarctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. They predominantly feed on fruit, especially in the winter months when berries are abundant. Their digestive system allows them to consume fruits that may otherwise be toxic to other birds. Nesting in trees, waxwings weave open cup-shaped nests using twigs, grass, and moss. Apart from their breeding season, they frequently form large flocks for feeding and socializing, displaying remarkable acrobatics while flying, hopping, and hanging from branches.

   Known for their melodious, high-pitched calls, waxwings are admired for their beauty, grace, and flocking behavior. They play an important ecological role in seed dispersal by spreading the seeds of consumed fruits, promoting plant diversity in various ecosystems. Waxwings have garnered interest among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts due to their unique characteristics and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Common Misspellings for WAXWING

• watxhing
• wawing
• waxxing
• qaxwing
• aaxwing
• saxwing
• eaxwing
• 3axwing
• 2axwing
• wzxwing
• wsxwing
• wwxwing
• wqxwing
• wazwing
• wacwing
• wadwing
• swaxwing
• axwing
• waxwig
• waxwign
• waxwingz
• waxwins
• Naxzing
• woxwing
• waxywing
• daowing
• Wauzing

Etymology of WAXWING

The word "waxwing" has an interesting etymology. It originated from the Middle English term "wexwing", which was derived from the Old English word "wex", meaning "wax", and "winge", meaning "to wipe". The name was given to this particular bird species due to its unique characteristic of having red tips on its wing feathers, which resemble drops of wax. The term "wexwing" later evolved into "waxwing" as we know it today.

Similar spelling words for WAXWING

• waking up,
• Wassink,
• washing,
• Wasinger,
• washington,
• washing-up,
• waxing,
• waking.

Plural form of WAXWING is WAXWINGS