Cedar Waxwing Courting Ritual: Pass the Insect

It's my bug, but if you love me,
you can have it... © SB

I recently saw several Cedar Waxwings near Regina, Saskatchewan, which reminded me of a courting ritual I saw this spring...

Pass the Insect.

The ritual began when a Cedar Waxwing with a bug in its beak attracted the attention of a second Cedar Waxwing, which flew down to land on the branch beside it.

The two birds then proceeded to pass the bug back and forth for several minutes until (I think) one of them ate it. All About Birds says they'll do the same with other small items, such as fruit or petals. 

Birds in Motion! Cedar Waxwings courting/feeding in an endless loop.. 

And now, in slo-mo...

The bug lure is working... The second Cedar Waxwing is landing... © SB

The bug changes beaks. © SB

Um, yum! A bug - Cedar Waxwing love. © SB

Time to share the bug love again. © SB

Back to the beginning. Start again. © SB

What are these bird? Cedar Waxwings.

Location: Condie Nature Refuge, near Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada  

Photo date: May 28, 2012.

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