Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) are elegant, sociable birds known for their sleek plumage and fondness for fruit. This comprehensive guide delves into their identification, diet, vocalizations, habitat, breeding habits, migration patterns, and tips on attracting them to your feeders.
Identification
Cedar Waxwings are medium-sized birds measuring 5.5–6.7 inches (14–17 cm) in length and a wingspan of 8.7–11.8 inches (22–30 cm). They have a pale brown head and chest that transitions to soft gray on the wings. Their belly is pale yellow, and the tail is gray with a bright yellow tip. A distinctive feature is the narrow black mask outlined in white across their face. Some individuals exhibit red wax-like tips on their secondary wing feathers, a characteristic that inspired their name.
Diet and Food Sources
Primarily frugivorous, Cedar Waxwings consume a variety of fruits year-round, including those from dogwood, serviceberry, cedar, juniper, hawthorn, and winterberry. During the breeding season, they supplement their diet with protein-rich insects such as beetles, caterpillars, and ants, which are essential for raising their young. Their ability to survive on a fruit-heavy diet is notable among passerines.
Calls, Sounds, and Songs
Cedar Waxwings produce high-pitched, thin calls, often described as ‘sreee’ or ‘see’ notes. They frequently call while in flight to stay connected with their flocks. Unlike many songbirds, they do not have a complex song but rely on these simple calls for communication.
Habitat
These birds inhabit open woodlands, orchards, and areas with abundant fruiting trees and shrubs. You can often find them along forest edges, streamsides, overgrown fields, and suburban parks. Their presence depends on the availability of fruiting vegetation, allowing them to adapt to environments rich in these resources.
Breeding and Nesting
The breeding season for Cedar Waxwings begins in late spring and extends through late summer. Courtship involves mutual feeding and a hopping display between potential mates. Both sexes participate in building a loose, open cup nest constructed from grass, twigs, and lined with softer materials. Nests are typically situated on tree branches at varying heights. The female lays 5 to 6 eggs, which she incubates for 11 to 13 days. Both parents share the responsibility of feeding the hatchlings, which fledge approximately 14 to 18 days after hatching.
Juveniles and Raising Young
Juvenile Cedar Waxwings resemble adults but have streaked underparts and lack the prominent black mask. Both parents are actively involved in feeding and caring for the young, providing a diet rich in insects to support their rapid growth. As the juveniles mature, their plumage becomes more similar to that of adult birds.
Range and Migration
Cedar Waxwings are native to North and Central America. Their range extends from southern Canada through the United States and into parts of Central America. Cedar waxwings migrate nomadically and irruptively, traveling based on food availability rather than fixed routes. During winter, they often move further south, while summer typically finds them thriving in northern regions.
Attracting Cedar Waxwings to Feeders
To attract Cedar Waxwings to your yard, consider planting native trees and shrubs that produce small fruits, such as dogwood, serviceberry, cedar, juniper, hawthorn, and winterberry. While they are not typically feeder birds and do not eat seeds or suet, they may be enticed by offerings of raisins or chopped apples placed on platform feeders. Providing a water source, such as a birdbath, can also make your yard more appealing to these birds.
Predators
Cedar Waxwings face predation from various species. Merlins, hawks, and common grackles prey on adults, while blue jays and house wrens may consume juveniles and eggs. Interestingly, adults have been known to fall victim to bullfrogs when drinking from ponds.
Conservation Status
Currently, Cedar Waxwings are not considered threatened and have a stable population. Their adaptability to different habitats and diverse diet contribute to their resilience. However, maintaining native fruit-bearing plants in both wild and suburban areas supports their populations and promotes biodiversity.
Interesting Facts
- Fruit Consumption:
Cedar Waxwings are known to eat berries whole and can survive on fruit alone for several months. However, they may become intoxicated or even die from consuming overripe, fermented berries.
- Social Behavior:
These birds are highly social and often seen in flocks. They engage in cooperative behaviors, such as passing berries along a line of birds until each one has been fed.
- Nesting Habits:
Females may take up to 2,500 trips to gather materials for a single nest and have been observed stealing nesting materials from other birds.
Conclusion
Cedar Waxwings are captivating birds that bring beauty and vitality to various habitats across North America. Their unique dietary preferences, social behaviors, and striking appearance make them a favorite among bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. By understanding their habits and needs, you can create an environment that attracts these delightful birds to your surroundings, offering an opportunity to observe their fascinating behaviors up close.
