Cedar Waxwing Bird Profile

Characteristics: A medium-sized bird (approx 32g) with distinct plumage coloration. Overall, waxwings are grayish brown with a large crest and black facial mask and chin patch. On the tips of their secondary feather, adults have bright red wax-like feathers. Cedar waxwings have yellow on the tips of their tail feathers. This coloration is dependent on their age and their diet - individuals that forage on introduced honeysuckle fruits have bright orange feathers.

Distribution: Cedar waxwings breed as far north as central Canada and as far south as central United States. Throughout most of their breeding distribution in the US, they are also found year round. Waxwings winter throughout the US and although rare, are found as far south as Panama.

Movement: Waxwings are migratory, but their movement patterns are poorly understood. Banding data suggests that there are western and eastern populations, but some mixing occurs during the winter. They engage in eruptive nomadic movements, which is thought to be related to unpredictable food availability.

Food: They rely heavily on fruit throughout the year. During the winter, they eat cedar berries, mountain ash, toyon, mistletoe, madrone, and juniper depending on the location. More recently, waxwings have been found foraging on introduced ornamental fruits, such as crabapple and hawthorn.

Sound: Songs are not complicated in this species. Their song sounds either buzzy or high-pitched whistles.

Nesting: Waxwings breed between June and September. Their nest is an open cup constructed of various materials and eggs are pale blue or gray with dark blotches.

Similar species: Cedar waxwings are similar to Bohemian waxwings but are distinguished by their white undertail coverts. Bohemians have rusty undertail coverts, a gray belly, and white and yellow in their wings in addition to the red.

Interesting fact: They are only 1 of 3 species in this family in the world! Their population has increased significantly over the past 20 years, probably due to the increase in food available from humans in urban areas.