Group name of the three species of the subfamily Bombycillinae of the Bombycillidae (Passeriformes, suborder Oscines) and in the plural the general term of the subfamily. In Britain used without qualification for the only European species Bombycilla garrulus or Bohemian Waxwing. The only genus thus contains also the other two species; the Japanese Waxwing B. japonica native to eastern Siberia and Japan, and the Cedar Waxwing B. cedrorum of North America. They all make irregular migrations from their breeding areas in the North Temperate Zone to central Europe, China and Japan or central America. The name refers to the red, drop-shaped and wax-like tips of the secondary flight feathers (see wing) and sometimes tail-feathers, which are prolongations of the shafts. However, in many individuals these red tips may be absent. All 3 species are similar in size (± 17,5 cm) and colour pattern with no differences between sexes (except a more duller black or greyish throat of the females), and have a characteristically soft, silky plumage. Berries and fruits constitute the staple-diet, although insects are captured during breeding season.

Alternative forms for waxwings : Bombycilla, waxwing.