Cedar Waxwing

Bombycilla cedrorum

Order: Passeriformes / Family: Bombycillidae

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brown gray yellow small songbird migratory forest urban common widespread

About the Cedar Waxwing

The Cedar Waxwing, Bombycilla cedrorum, captivates bird enthusiasts with its smooth plumage and striking features. This songbird belongs to the family Bombycillidae and is a native of North America, frequently observed in flocks that can number in the hundreds. Cedar Waxwings thrive across a wide range of habitats, from dense forests to open fields, often migrating between breeding and wintering grounds. In the breeding season, these birds prefer deciduous or mixed woodlands, especially near water bodies. During winter, they shift to more open areas and urban settings where fruiting trees and shrubs abound. Known for their nomadic nature, Cedar Waxwings travel in search of fruit, their primary food source, which plays a crucial role in seed dispersal, thus contributing to ecosystem dynamics. In addition to their ecological role, Cedar Waxwings are significant indicators of environmental changes due to their sensitivity to habitat alteration and pesticide use. Seasonal behaviors of the Cedar Waxwing include the formation of large, cohesive flocks that move in unison. They exhibit a distinctive smooth flight pattern and are often seen performing aerial acrobatics while catching insects on the wing. As spring arrives, these birds shift to breeding behaviors, establishing territories and engaging in courtship displays. With consistent, high-pitched calls, they communicate within flocks, maintaining cohesion and alerting each other to potential threats. Observers frequently note their gentle demeanor and the lack of pronounced territorial aggression, making them a favorite among bird watchers.

The Cedar Waxwing belongs to the family Bombycillidae, within the order Passeriformes. These birds typically live average lifespan is about 5-8 years with a maximum recorded of 12 years..

How to Identify a Cedar Waxwing

Cedar Waxwings stand out due to their sleek, silky plumage that appears almost velvety. Adults possess a unique combination of colors: soft brown on the head and upper parts, a pale yellow belly, and a light gray tail with a distinctive bright yellow tip. The 'cedar' in their name refers to their fondness for cedar berries, while 'waxwing' highlights the waxy red tips on their secondary wing feathers, a feature that is more developed in adults. Juveniles differ by having a more muted color palette and streaked underparts. Male and female Cedar Waxwings are similar in appearance, although careful observers might notice that males tend to have slightly more vivid colors. Confusion with similar species, such as the Bohemian Waxwing, can occur; however, the Cedar Waxwing is distinguishable by its smaller size and lack of a rusty undertail. In flight, Cedar Waxwings exhibit a smooth, undulating motion. While perching, they maintain a relaxed, upright position, often in groups, which can help in their identification.

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Cedar Waxwing Habitat and Range

Preferred Habitat

Cedar Waxwings inhabit a diverse array of environments, thriving in both wooded and open areas. They are particularly fond of habitats with plentiful fruit-bearing trees, such as orchards and gardens, especially in rural settings. In summer, they breed in mixed deciduous forests across southern Canada and the northern United States. As the seasons change, they become more visible in urban areas, parks, and backyards, where ornamental fruit trees provide ample food. Waxwings are not bound by elevation and are adaptable, though they typically avoid arid regions and dense coniferous forests.

Geographic Range

During the breeding season, Cedar Waxwings are found across southern Canada and the northern United States. They range from coast to coast, with higher population densities in the Great Lakes region and the Northeast. As autumn approaches, they migrate southwards, wintering in the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America. Key migration corridors include the Mississippi Flyway, where large flocks can be observed. Despite their broad range, they are rarely seen in the far north or very arid regions, maintaining a preference for areas with abundant fruit.

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What Does the Cedar Waxwing Eat?

The diet of the Cedar Waxwing primarily consists of fruit, making them important frugivores. They consume a wide variety of berries and small fruits, including those from trees like cedar, juniper, and dogwood. During summer, they also catch insects, such as flies and beetles, providing necessary protein for their young. Cedar Waxwings forage in social groups, often performing acrobatic maneuvers to snatch insects mid-flight. Their feeding schedule varies with the availability of food, though they are most active during the early morning and late afternoon.

Cedar Waxwing Behavior and Social Structure

Cedar Waxwings exhibit a highly social nature, typically forming flocks outside the breeding season. They are not territorial, allowing large groups of individuals to forage and travel together without conflict. During courtship, males perform a unique display by offering females small gifts, such as berries or flower petals. Flocking behavior is a defining trait, with waxwings moving in coordinated groups that provide safety from predators. They are diurnal, engaging in feeding and social activities during daylight hours. In the presence of predators, such as hawks, they rely on their numbers and alert calls to evade danger.

Cedar Waxwing Nesting and Reproduction

Cedar Waxwings construct nests primarily in deciduous trees or shrubs, favoring locations near water. The nests are cup-shaped, built with grass, twigs, and lined with softer materials such as wool or moss. A typical clutch consists of 2 to 5 pale blue or gray eggs, which the female incubates for about 12 to 14 days. Both parents participate in feeding the young, which fledge approximately 14 to 18 days after hatching. Cedar Waxwings usually have one to two broods per year, depending on food availability and weather conditions.

Cedar Waxwing Sounds and Vocalizations

Cedar Waxwings are known for their high-pitched, thin whistles. Their primary song consists of a series of short, high notes often described as "tsee-tsee." These calls serve multiple purposes, from maintaining group cohesion to alerting others of predators. Unlike many songbirds, Cedar Waxwings do not sing complex melodies. Instead, their repetitive calls are easily recognizable and often heard during dawn chorus, particularly during the breeding season.

Interesting Facts About the Cedar Waxwing

1Cedar Waxwings are one of the few bird species that can survive on a diet consisting entirely of fruit for several months.
2They are known to indulge in overripe berries, which can ferment and cause temporary intoxication.
3The waxy red tips on their wings are not fully understood but may play a role in mate selection during courtship.
4Cedar Waxwings can occasionally be seen passing berries to one another in a line, a behavior thought to strengthen social bonds.
5They have a unique adaptation in their digestive system that allows them to efficiently process fruit sugars.
6These birds can often be seen engaging in a behavior known as 'hawking,' where they catch insects in mid-air.
7The Cedar Waxwing is one of the later breeding birds in North America, often nesting well into the summer months.

Cedar Waxwing Conservation Status

The IUCN lists the Cedar Waxwing as a species of Least Concern, with a stable population trend. However, habitat loss and pesticide use pose significant threats, impacting their food sources and breeding habitats. Conservation efforts focus on preserving natural habitats and promoting the planting of native fruit-bearing trees. Historically, populations have fluctuated, but consistent monitoring and habitat management have contributed to their current stability.