It has mainly buff-grey plumage, black face markings and a pointed crest. Its wings are patterned with white and bright yellow, and some feather tips have the red waxy appearance that give this species its English name. The three subspecies show only minor differences in appearance. Females are similar to males, although young birds are less well-marked and have few or no waxy wingtips. 

The Bohemian waxwing is a starling-sized bird 19–23 cm. in length with a 32–35.5 cm. wingspan, and an average weight of 55 g.

In Lithuania the bird is noticeable during the autumn in forests and parks.