Drunk Flying is for the Birds
Cedar Waxwings spend their winters in Texas and sometimes overindulge on fermented berries, causing unusual behavior, experts say.
The birds are DUI or should we say FUI, flying under the influence.
Cedar Waxwings are known for their social nature, enormous flocks and gorgeous features.
"They're a very beautiful bird," said Rachel Richter, an urban wildlife biologist with the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife. "They’re a very eye-catching bird with that black mask. They actually get their name from the little red tips on their wings."
But the birds are also known for something else: getting 'drunk' on berries.
"Because they eat predominantly berries, sometimes they eat berries that have fermented and are a little bit past their prime," Richter explained. "Sometimes they tend to overindulge a little bit, which can get them intoxicated."
The beautiful birds can get disoriented from imbibing the fermented fruit, causing them to act uncoordinated, Richter said, or even crash into windows.
People have been waxing about the Waxwings' behavior on social media, but Richter said this happens every year.
"Maybe this year people are staying home more so they're able to see them more," she said.
Perhacs said the birds are known for another thing, too: an abundant amount of droppings.
"Do not ever walk under them," she said. "Unless you have an umbrella."
The birds are DUI or should we say FUI, flying under the influence.
Cedar Waxwings are known for their social nature, enormous flocks and gorgeous features.
"They're a very beautiful bird," said Rachel Richter, an urban wildlife biologist with the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife. "They’re a very eye-catching bird with that black mask. They actually get their name from the little red tips on their wings."
But the birds are also known for something else: getting 'drunk' on berries.
"Because they eat predominantly berries, sometimes they eat berries that have fermented and are a little bit past their prime," Richter explained. "Sometimes they tend to overindulge a little bit, which can get them intoxicated."
The beautiful birds can get disoriented from imbibing the fermented fruit, causing them to act uncoordinated, Richter said, or even crash into windows.
People have been waxing about the Waxwings' behavior on social media, but Richter said this happens every year.
"Maybe this year people are staying home more so they're able to see them more," she said.
Perhacs said the birds are known for another thing, too: an abundant amount of droppings.
"Do not ever walk under them," she said. "Unless you have an umbrella."
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