Cedar Waxwing: History, Facts, Size, Habitat, Classification & Much More

By Kristen Haudenschild

Birds have always fascinated humans with their unique beauty and diverse characteristics. From the vibrant colours of their plumage to their melodious songs, birds never fail to capture our attention. Today, we will delve into the world of one particular species of bird – the Cedar Waxwing. In this blog post, we will explore the history, facts, size, habitat, and classification of these fascinating creatures.

The Cedar Waxwing, scientifically known as Bombycilla cedrorum, is a medium-sized bird commonly found in North and Central America. Its name, “Cedar Waxwing,” is derived from its fondness for cedar berries and the waxy wing tips that give it a unique appearance. With its silky, brown plumage, smudged black mask, and bright yellow tail tip, this bird is truly a sight to behold.

Cedar Waxwings prefer to reside in deciduous forests, orchards, and wooded areas near water sources. They are social birds that often flock together in large numbers, creating a mesmerizing display as they gracefully fly through the air. Known for their pleasant and high-pitched calls, Cedar Waxwings are equally admired for their agile and acrobatic flight patterns.

So, whether you are a budding bird enthusiast or simply curious about the wonders of the animal kingdom, join us as we uncover the captivating world of Cedar Waxwings. Learn about their history, fascinating facts, size, habitat, and classification, and discover more about these magnificent creatures that share our environment. And remember, if you want to explore more about the amazing diversity of the animal kingdom, we already have an article featuring 155+ animal names – ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy!

History of Cedar Waxwing

The Cedar Waxwing bird has a fascinating history. Long ago, these birds used to live in the forest. They ate insects and fruits and built their nests high up in the trees. The forest was their home, and they lived peacefully.

But as time passed, people started to cut down the trees in the forest to make space for buildings and farms. This made it difficult for the Cedar Waxwings to find enough food and a safe place to live. They had to adapt to survive in this changing environment.

The clever Cedar Waxwings discovered a new way to find food. Instead of relying on insects, they started eating fruits that grew on bushes and trees. This allowed them to survive even when their insect food became scarce. They also found different places to build their nests, like bushes and gardens.

Today, Cedar Waxwings can be found in many different areas, not just forests. They have adjusted well to living near humans and have even found ways to benefit from it. They eat the fruits that people grow in their gardens and orchards, helping to spread the seeds and assist in plant reproduction.

The history of the Cedar Waxwing bird shows how they have adapted to changes in their environment. They have learned to eat different types of food and build their nests in new places. Despite facing challenges, these birds have found ways to survive and thrive alongside humans.

Importance of Cedar Waxwing

Cedar Waxwing birds play an important role in our environment. They help in controlling the population of harmful insects like caterpillars and beetles by feeding on them. This is very beneficial for farmers as it reduces the need for chemical pesticides. So, having these birds around can save crops from being damaged and also save money for farmers.

These birds also help in seed dispersal. When Cedar Waxwings eat berries, they swallow them whole and later regurgitate the seeds in a different location. By doing this, they help plants to spread to new areas, which is important for the overall diversity and health of the ecosystem. Without the Cedar Waxwing birds, some plant species may struggle to reproduce and may eventually disappear.

Furthermore, the attractive appearance of Cedar Waxwings brings joy to birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Their sleek and colourful feathers, along with their unique crest, make them a delight to observe. Encouraging the presence of these birds in our surroundings can contribute to a greater appreciation and understanding of our natural world.

Cedar Waxwing birds are essential for pest control, seed dispersal, and adding beauty to our environment. Protecting and conserving these birds will not only benefit our ecosystem but also enhance our enjoyment and connection with nature.

Amazing Facts About Cedar Waxwing

1. Cedar Waxwings are medium-sized birds that measure about 6-7 inches long.
2. They have a sleek, soft greyish-brown plumage and a black mask across their eyes.
3. These birds have a small crest on their head, which can be raised or flattened depending on their mood.
4. Cedar Waxwings have a yellow-tipped tail and a prominent crest of feathers on their head.
5. They are known for their unique and beautiful vocalizations, which often resemble high-pitched whistles or trills.
6. Cedar Waxwings are social birds and can often be found in flocks, sometimes numbering in the hundreds.
7. Their preferred habitats include open woodlands, orchards, and suburban areas with fruit-bearing trees.
8. Cedar Waxwings primarily feed on fruits, especially berries, which make up most of their diet.
9. Their name is derived from their fondness for cedar berries, although they also feed on cherries, grapes, and other fruit.
10. These birds have a specialized digestive system that allows them to tolerate and digest large amounts of fruit.
11. Cedar Waxwings have a unique adaptation called “wax tips” that enables them to transfer waxy substances from fruits onto their wing feathers.
12. They use these waxy tips to waterproof their flight feathers, making them more efficient in flight.
13. Cedar Waxwings are known as excellent, agile fliers, often performing quick aerial acrobatics to catch insects in mid-air.
14. They breed in the northern parts of North America, with their nests being small cups made of twigs, grass, and moss.
15. Cedar Waxwings are migratory birds, and during the colder months, they can be found in the southern parts of the United States and Central America.

Can we keep Cedar Waxwing as our Pet?

The Cedar Waxwing bird is a beautiful and unique creature that some people may want to keep as a pet. However, it is important to understand that it is not suitable or ethical to keep them as pets. These birds are meant to live freely in the wild, where they can thrive and contribute to the ecosystem.

Cedar Waxwings have specific needs and behaviours that are not easily met in captivity. They require a varied diet of fruits, insects, and berries, which can be difficult to provide in a home setting. Additionally, these birds are highly social and live in flocks, so they need the company of other birds to lead a happy and healthy life. Keeping them alone in a cage would cause them stress and lead to a decline in their physical and mental well-being.

Sadly, the Cedar Waxwing bird is currently not extinct, but it is facing some threats in its natural habitat. These birds rely on a specific diet of fruits and berries, and when these sources become scarce due to deforestation or pesticide use, their population can suffer. We need to protect their habitats and ensure that they have enough food to survive and thrive in the wild, rather than attempting to keep them as pets.

It is not appropriate to keep Cedar Waxwing birds as pets. They have specific needs that are difficult to meet in captivity, and they are meant to live freely in the wild with their flock. Instead, we should focus on preserving their habitats and ensuring their survival in their natural environment.

Size of Cedar Waxwing

The Cedar Waxwing bird is a small and elegant creature that measures about 6 to 7 inches in length. It has a slender body with a wingspan of around 9 to 10 inches, making it quite compact. Compared to some other birds, the Cedar Waxwing may appear modest in stature, but it exhibits unique characteristics that make it truly remarkable.

With its sleek feathers, the Cedar Waxwing showcases a beautiful blend of brown, grey, and yellow tones. It has a black mask around its eyes and a pointed crest on the top of its head. When it spreads its wings, you can see its lovely red tips, which make it easy to spot among the trees.

Although it may be small, the Cedar Waxwing has an important role in our ecosystem. It mainly feeds on fruits, including berries, which it plucks from branches with precision. This bird not only eats the fruit but also disperses the seeds through its droppings, thereby helping to maintain the vegetation around us.

The Cedar Waxwing bird is a petite and charming creature. Its size may be small, but its impact is significant. From its elegant appearance to its crucial role in spreading seeds, the Cedar Waxwing teaches us that every living being, regardless of its size, plays a vital part in maintaining our environment.

Habitat of Cedar Waxwing

The Cedar Waxwing bird is found in many different habitats throughout North America. These birds prefer to live in areas with a lot of trees, as they rely on fruits and berries for their diet. They can be commonly seen in forests, woodlands, and even near rivers or lakes.

One of the key features of the Cedar Waxwing’s habitat is the presence of fruit-bearing trees. These birds have a preference for trees such as cedar, hawthorn, and mulberry, as these trees provide them with a source of food. The Waxwings are known to gather in flocks and travel together in search of fruiting trees. They will often be seen perched on branches, plucking and eating berries with their pointy beaks.

In addition to their preference for fruit trees, Cedar Waxwings also rely on water sources. They can be found near rivers, lakes, and ponds, as they need water for drinking and bathing. These birds have a fondness for the water and will often make repeated trips to nearby water bodies to satisfy their thirst and maintain their feathers.

Overall, the Cedar Waxwing’s habitat consists of areas with a lot of fruit trees and access to water. These birds have adapted well to different environments, and their ability to find food and water sources helps them thrive. Whether it is in the deep forests, woodlands, or near water bodies, the Cedar Waxwing adds beauty to the diverse range of ecosystems they inhabit.

Evolution of Cedar Waxwing

The evolution of the Cedar Waxwing bird is truly fascinating! It all began millions of years ago when birds were just starting to develop unique characteristics. These early birds had feathers and could fly, but their beaks and bodies were not like those we see today. Over time, some birds started to adapt and change to survive better in their environments.

As the years went by, certain birds began to develop a special diet. They started eating fruits and berries instead of insects or seeds. This change in diet played a crucial role in the evolution of the Cedar Waxwing. With their beaks and digestive systems adapting to this new food source, they were able to thrive in areas with abundant fruits and berries.

Another important evolutionary development in the Cedar Waxwing was its unique colouration. These birds have beautiful, smooth feathers with a mix of grey, brown, and yellow. This colouration not only helps them blend in with their surroundings but also attracts a mate during the breeding season. Over time, through natural selection, those with more vibrant colouration were more successful in finding a partner and passing on their genes.

The Cedar Waxwing bird’s evolution is a result of changes in their diet and adaptations to their environment. By evolving to eat fruits and berries, as well as developing specific physical traits like beak shape and colourful feathers, these birds were able to survive and reproduce successfully. It is truly remarkable how nature works and allows creatures to transform and thrive over time.

Classification of Cedar Waxwing

The Cedar Waxwing bird belongs to the class Aves, which includes all birds. Birds have certain distinguishing characteristics, such as being warm-blooded, having feathers, laying hard-shelled eggs, and having beaks instead of teeth. Cedar Waxwings are part of the order Passeriformes, which is the largest order of birds and includes many familiar species like sparrows and finches.

Within the order Passeriformes, the Cedar Waxwing belongs to the family Bombycillidae, also known as the waxwing family. This family includes just three species of waxwings, with the Cedar Waxwing being the most widespread and well-known. What sets the Cedar Waxwing apart is its unique appearance, characterized by a sleek, brownish-grey plumage, a small crest on its head, and its distinctive yellow-tipped tail feathers. Its name comes from the red waxy tips that sometimes appear on the secondary feather tips of its wings.

Finally, the Cedar Waxwing species is classified as Bombycilla cedrorum. The genus name, Bombycilla, comes from the Latin word “bombus,” which means “silkworm,” and the specific epithet, cedrorum, refers to the cedar trees it often frequents. These birds are found across North and Central America, primarily in forested habitats and areas with fruit-bearing trees. Cedar Waxwings are highly social birds and are often seen in flocks, particularly during the winter when they rely on fruits for food.

To summarize, the Cedar Waxwing is a bird belonging to the class Aves. It is part of the order Passeriformes and the family Bombycillidae. The Cedar Waxwing species is known for its distinct appearance and is found throughout North and Central America. These social birds prefer forested areas and feed mainly on fruits.

Different Types of Cedar Waxwing

1. Bohemian waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus): This waxwing is known for its vibrant plumage, which includes a cinnamon-coloured head, grey body, and yellow-tipped tail. It often forms large flocks and is found in northern regions, feeding on berries and insects during winter.

2. Cedar waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum): The Cedar waxwing gets its name from its love for cedar berries. Its sleek brown body, black mask, and waxy red tips on its wings make it easily recognizable. These birds are social and can be seen feeding on fruits and insects.

3. Brown-headed waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum): Similar in appearance to the Cedar waxwing, the Brown-headed waxwing has a rusty brown head instead of black. It also features a yellow belly and undertail cover. Like other waxwings, it mainly feeds on fruits and insects.

4. Japanese waxwing (Bombycilla japonica): Native to East Asia, the Japanese waxwing showcases a mixture of grey, reddish-brown, and black feathers. It has a pointed crest on its head and feeds on cherry, juniper, and other fruit trees, often in large flocks during winter.

5. Yellow-rumped waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum): This waxwing species is known for its yellow patches on its rump, which become prominent during the breeding season. It has a grey-brown body, a black mask, and red wing tips. They feed on insects, berries, and fruits.

6. Rusty-crowned waxwing (Bombycilla mirabilis): Found in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, the Rusty-crowned waxwing has a distinctive rust-coloured crown on its head. Its body is mainly grey, and it feeds on berries, fruits, and insects.

7. Great cinereous waxwing (Bombycilla hyperborea): This waxwing species can be found in the Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia. It has a mostly grey body, a black mask around its eyes, and yellow tips on its tail feathers. It generally feeds on berries and insects.

8. Black-throated waxwing (Bombycilla nigrothroatia): Living in the mountainous regions of China, this waxwing species has a striking black throat patch surrounded by grey plumage and a small crest on its head. It feeds on berries, fruits, and insects.

9. Hainan waxwing (Bombycilla hainanensis): Native to Hainan Island in southern China, the Hainan waxwing has a mix of grey, yellow, and black feathers. It has a short crest on its head, and its diet consists mainly of berries and insects.

10. Red-throated waxwing (Bombycilla septentrionalis): Found in North America, this waxwing species features a reddish-brown throat and grey plumage. It has a thin crest on its head and feeds on berries, fruits, and insects, typically seen in flocks during winter.

Geographical Presence of Cedar Waxwing

The Cedar Waxwing bird can be found in the regions of North and Central America. These regions include places like Canada, the United States, Mexico, and parts of Central America. They are known to live in areas with trees and fruits, as they mainly feed on berries and insects.

However, the Cedar Waxwing bird is not found in certain parts of the world. They do not typically inhabit continents like Europe, Africa, Asia, or Australia. These birds prefer the temperate climates and habitats of North and Central America, where they can find the fruits they rely on for their diet.

The Cedar Waxwing bird can be found in the regions of North and Central America, including Canada, the United States, Mexico, and parts of Central America. They are not found in other continents like Europe, Africa, Asia, or Australia. These beautiful birds are known for their distinctive appearance and their preference for tree-rich environments with ample fruits.

Scientific Name of Cedar Waxwing

Cedar Waxwings are beautiful birds that are medium in size and have unique features. They have a brownish-grey plumage with a yellow belly and a black mask on their face. These birds also have distinctive red tips on their wings, which make them easy to identify.

Cedar Waxwings are mainly found in North and Central America, and they are known for their ability to eat fruits. They are considered frugivorous, which means their diet consists mainly of fruits. They have a special adaptation in their digestive system that allows them to digest fruit pulp efficiently, which is why they can survive only on a fruit-based diet.

These birds are social creatures and are often observed in large flocks. They are known for their high-pitched calls, which sound like “zee-zee-zee.” Cedar Waxwings are also unique because they often feed together by passing fruits from one bird to another, which is known as “social feeding.”

Cedar Waxwings, scientifically known as Bombycilla cedrorum, are medium-sized birds with brownish-grey plumage, yellow bellies, and red wing tips. They have a special diet consisting primarily of fruits, and their digestive system is well adapted to digest fruit pulp. These social birds can be found in North and Central America and are easily recognized by their distinctive features and high-pitched calls.

Diet of Cedar Waxwing

The diet of the Cedar Waxwing bird mainly consists of fruits and insects. They enjoy munching on a variety of fruits such as berries, cherries, and apples. They have a strong preference for fruits that are overripe and fermenting, which means they like to eat the ones that are starting to go bad! This might seem strange to us, but the Cedar Waxwing finds these fruits tasty.

Not only do they love fruits, but Cedar Waxwings also like to eat insects. They catch flying insects in the air and snatch up crawling ones from leaves and branches. Some of their favourite insects to eat include beetles, flies, and caterpillars. They use their sharp beaks to pick up the insects and then quickly swallow them.

Interestingly, the diet of the Cedar Waxwing can vary depending on the season. During the warmer months when fruits are abundant, their diet consists mostly of fruits. However, during the colder months when fruits are scarce, they rely more on insects for their meals. This shows how adaptable these birds are to different food sources throughout the year.

The Cedar Waxwing bird has quite an interesting diet. They enjoy eating overripe fruits, even if they are starting to go bad, and they also feed on various insects. Depending on the season, their diet can shift, with a focus on fruits during warmer months and insects during colder months. It’s fascinating to see how these birds adapt to the food available in their environment.

Locomotion of Cedar Waxwing

The Cedar Waxwing bird moves in a lovely way called locomotion. It can fly very well because it has strong wings that help it soar through the sky. When it wants to reach a high place, it flaps its wings to lift its body. It can also glide in the air, like a smooth slide, and cover long distances without flapping its wings. This helps it save energy while travelling around.

But the Cedar Waxwing bird doesn’t only move in the air, it also moves on land. It has long legs that are good for hopping from one place to another. Its feet have sharp claws that help it grasp onto branches and trees. This allows it to move quickly and easily between different perches. Whether in the air or on land, the Cedar Waxwing bird’s locomotion skills are quite impressive!

Social and Sexual Behaviour of Cedar Waxwing

The social and sexual behaviour of the Cedar Waxwing bird is quite fascinating. These birds are known to be very social creatures and they often travel and live in large flocks. These flocks can consist of hundreds or even thousands of birds. They communicate with each other through soft calls and also by sharing food. Cedar Waxwings are very cooperative and often take turns finding and gathering food for the whole group.

When it comes to their sexual behaviour, Cedar Waxwings form monogamous pairs during their breeding season. This means that they have only one partner during this time. They engage in courtship rituals where they sing and perform beautiful aerial displays to attract a mate. Once they have formed a pair bond, they build a nest together, usually in tree branches. Both the male and female take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks after they hatch.

Overall, Cedar Waxwings display a strong sense of community and cooperation within their flock. They also exhibit a committed and supportive relationship with their mates during the breeding season. Their social and sexual behaviour shows us how important it is to work together and care for our loved ones.

Reproduction and Lifecycle of Cedar Waxwing

The Cedar Waxwing bird has a fascinating process of reproduction and life cycle. This cycle starts with the male and female birds coming together in the spring to find a suitable place for their nest. They build their nest in trees using twigs, grass, and moss. Once the nest is ready, the female bird lays her eggs inside.

The female Cedar Waxwing usually lays around 3-6 eggs. Both the male and female take turns sitting on the eggs to keep them warm. This is called incubation. After about 12-14 days, the eggs hatch and baby birds come out. These baby birds are called fledglings.

The parents take turns feeding the fledglings. They catch insects and berries and regurgitate them back into the mouths of the hungry babies. The fledglings grow quickly and start to learn to fly in just a few weeks. Once they are capable of flying, they gradually become independent and leave their parents’ nest. And so, the life cycle of the Cedar Waxwing continues as they grow up, find a mate, and start the whole process all over again.

Threats to Cedar Waxwing

The Cedar Waxwing bird faces several threats that can harm its population. One significant threat is the loss of suitable habitat. As human activities increase, many trees, which are necessary for the bird’s survival, are being cut down. Without enough trees, the Cedar Waxwings may struggle to find food and build nests, which could lead to a decrease in their numbers.

Additionally, the use of pesticides poses a danger to the Cedar Waxwings. Pesticides are chemicals used to kill pests, but they can also harm birds and other animals. When Cedar Waxwings eat insects that have been sprayed with pesticides, they can become sick or even die. Using alternative methods that do not harm the birds can help protect them from the harmful effects of pesticides.

Lastly, climate change is another threat to the Cedar Waxwing bird. Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns can disrupt the bird’s migration patterns and affect their food sources. If their favourite fruits and berries are not available due to climate changes, the Cedar Waxwings may struggle to find enough to eat, leading to a decline in their population.

Overall, the Cedar Waxwing bird faces threats such as habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change, which can impact their survival. We need to take steps to protect these birds by conserving their habitats, using safer alternatives to pesticides, and addressing climate change. By doing so, we can help ensure that the Cedar Waxwing population continues to thrive in the future.

Population of Cedar Waxwing

The population of Cedar Waxwing birds is estimated to be around 50 million individuals. These beautiful birds can be found in North and Central America, where they live in forests, orchards, and gardens. Cedar Waxwings are known for their distinctive appearance, with sleek brownish-grey feathers, a pointed crest on their head, and bright yellow tips on their tail feathers. They also have a unique mask-like pattern on their face and a small crest on their head.

However, if the Cedar Waxwing were to become extinct, it would mean that there are no more of these birds left in the world. This could happen due to various reasons such as the loss of their natural habitat, changes in climate, or human activities like deforestation or pollution. If the Cedar Waxwing were to go extinct, it would be a great loss to our biodiversity and ecosystem.

We need to protect and preserve these beautiful birds, as well as their habitats, to ensure their survival. By taking actions like conserving forests, planting native trees and shrubs, and reducing the use of harmful pesticides, we can help maintain the population of Cedar Waxwings and contribute to a healthier environment for all living creatures.

Conclusion

The Cedar Waxwing is a fascinating bird known for its unique features and interesting habits. It is a medium-sized animal that primarily lives in North America and enjoys hanging out in fruit trees. With its distinctive masked face, sleek plumage, and delicate crest, the Cedar Waxwing is certainly a sight to behold.

One interesting fact about these birds is that they are highly social creatures, often seen perching in large flocks. They have a special way of communicating with each other through high-pitched calls and soft trills. These charming little birds also have a sweet tooth for berries, which make up a significant portion of their diet. This preference for fruit has even shaped the design of their beaks, allowing them to easily pluck berries from the trees.

In terms of classification, the Cedar Waxwing belongs to the family Bombycillidae and the genus Bombycilla. They are closely related to other waxwing species but stand out with their cedar-like plumage. If you happen to spot these lovely birds in your backyard or during a nature walk, take a moment to appreciate their beauty and the wonderful role they play in our ecosystem as pollinators and seed dispersers.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cedar Waxwing (FAQ’s)

Q: What is a Cedar Waxwing bird?
A: The Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) is a species of colourful, sociable birds commonly found in North and Central America.

Q: How can I identify a Cedar Waxwing bird?
A: Cedar Waxwings have sleek, brownish-grey plumage with a black mask on the face and a small crest on the head. They also have a yellow belly and unique red tips on their secondary flight feathers.

Q: Where are Cedar Waxwings typically found?
A: Cedar Waxwings are primarily found in forested areas, woodlands, orchards, and gardens throughout North and Central America.

Q: What do Cedar Waxwings eat?
A: These birds primarily feed on fruits, insects, and occasionally nectar from flowers. Their diet largely consists of berries and soft fruits like cherries, mulberries, and juniper berries.

Q: Are Cedar Waxwings migratory birds?
A: Yes, Cedar Waxwings are migratory birds and tend to move in flocks during the breeding and non-breeding seasons, seeking suitable food sources.

Q: Do Cedar Waxwings have any unique behaviours?
A: Yes, Cedar Waxwings are known for their tendency to pass berries to other members of their flock as a form of social bonding and courtship behaviour.

Q: Are Cedar Waxwings monogamous?
A: Yes, Cedar Waxwings form monogamous pairs during the breeding season and often stay together in small family groups outside of the breeding season.

Q: Do Cedar Waxwings build nests?
A: Yes, Cedar Waxwings build their nests in trees or shrubs, using twigs, grass, lichen, and bark strips. They often place their nests near water sources.

Q: How many eggs does a Cedar Waxwing lay?
A: Cedar Waxwings typically lay 4-6 pale blue or greyish eggs, which are incubated by both parents for around 12-14 days.

Q: How long do Cedar Waxwings live?
A: The average lifespan of a Cedar Waxwing in the wild is around 5-6 years, but some individuals have been known to live up to 8 years.

Q: Are Cedar Waxwings noisy birds?
A: Cedar Waxwings are generally quiet birds, but they can emit soft, high-pitched whistles or buzzy calls as a form of communication within their flock.

Q: Do Cedar Waxwings have any predators?
A: Yes, Cedar Waxwings are vulnerable to predation by various species, including raptors, snakes, and domestic cats.

Q: Can Cedar Waxwings cause damage to fruit crops?
A: In certain cases, large flocks of Cedar Waxwings can cause significant damage to fruit crops, as they consume a large quantity of berries and soft fruits.

Q: Are Cedar Waxwings protected by law?
A: Cedar Waxwings are not listed as endangered or threatened species; however, certain protections are in place to conserve their habitats and prevent illegal hunting or capture.

Q: Can Cedar Waxwings transmit diseases to humans?
A: Cedar Waxwings are not known to pose a significant risk for transmitting diseases to humans, though it is always advisable to minimize direct contact with any wild bird.

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