Cedar Waxwing

Identification

Cedar waxwings are medium-sized birds measuring 6–7 inches long with wingspans of 8.7 to 11.8 inches, weighing roughly one ounce. Their most distinctive feature is a small cluster of brilliant red, wax-like droplets adorning the tips of their secondary wing feathers—a characteristic that inspired their common name. The plumage is a striking combination of silky brown, gray, and lemon-yellow tones, accented by a rakish black mask with a thin white border and a subdued crest that often droops over the back of the head. Their tail is typically yellow or orange, though birds that have fed on introduced Eurasian honeysuckles develop darker orange-tipped tail feathers. Adults display a pale yellow belly, while immature birds are streaked on the throat and flanks and often lack the distinctive black mask. Males and females are visually identical.

The bird's wings are broad and pointed, resembling a starling's, and they fly with strong, direct movement at speeds of 40 km/h. In flight, flocks move in coordinated fashion similar to small, pale European starlings. Cedar waxwings are highly vocal birds, producing very high-pitched whistles and buzzy trills represented as "see" or "sree," calls they make especially frequently while in flight.

Range & Habitat

Cedar waxwings are native to North and Central America, breeding in open wooded areas across southern Canada and wintering throughout the southern half of the United States, Central America, and the far northwest of South America. They are nomadic and irruptive birds, with erratic winter movements driven by food availability; populations move in huge numbers when berry supplies are low. They occasionally appear as rare vagrants in western Europe, with sightings recorded in Great Britain.

These sociable birds prefer trees at the edge of wooded areas or forests, particularly those providing access to berry sources and water. They are frequently seen in fruiting trees and are attracted to the sound of running water, enjoying bathing in and drinking from shallow creeks. In urban and suburban settings, they favour parkland with well-spaced trees, golf courses, cemeteries, orchards, and gardens with fruiting trees or shrubs near water sources such as fountains or birdbaths.

Behaviour & Diet

Cedar waxwings are exceptionally sociable birds, seen in flocks year-round, sometimes numbering hundreds of birds outside the breeding season. They are nonterritorial and notably affectionate, frequently grooming one another. These birds are nomadic, constantly moving to locate productive fruit sources, and they maintain strong social bonds through various behaviors including courtship displays and cooperative interactions.

Their diet consists primarily of cedar cones, fruit, holly berries, and insects. During the breeding season, which begins around the end of spring and extends through late summer, males perform an elaborate "hopping dance" to attract females, who respond with reciprocal hopping if interested. Courtship pairs sit together passing small objects such as flower petals or insects back and forth, and may rub their beaks together. Females construct loose, open cup nests from grass and twigs lined with softer materials, typically placing them 2 to 6 meters above ground. Nest construction requires around five or six days and up to 2,500 trips. Females usually lay five or six eggs and incubate them for 11 to 13 days.

Best Time & Places to See It

Cedar waxwings are present year-round across much of North America, though their location varies seasonally and unpredictably based on fruit availability. Winter months may bring them farther south into the United States and Central America as they follow food sources. The breeding season from late spring through late summer offers opportunities to observe courtship behaviour and family groups.

To locate cedar waxwings, search fruiting trees and shrubs during their season, parks and gardens with berry-bearing plants, orchards, and areas near water sources. Urban and suburban locations with well-spaced trees and landscaped gardens frequented by the birds offer accessible viewing opportunities. Listen for their characteristic high-pitched "see" or "sree" calls, which they make constantly, especially in flight. Early morning hours often provide the best viewing conditions.

Photography Tips

The cedar waxwing's striking plumage and distinctive red wing-tip markings make it a rewarding photographic subject. Position yourself near fruiting trees or water sources where birds gather, particularly during dawn when light is most favorable for capturing the birds' silky brown and gray tones and vibrant yellow underparts. The small red wax droplets on wing feathers require close focusing and good light to be clearly visible in photographs.

Because cedar waxwings are highly sociable and relatively approachable, flocking behaviour provides opportunities for compelling group compositions. Their strong and direct flight can be captured by anticipating movement patterns around fruit sources and water. The birds' distinctive black mask and crest are particularly photogenic features when the crest is raised. Patience near reliable food sources will reward you with opportunities to photograph natural behaviors including grooming, courtship displays, and feeding interactions.