Cedar Waxwing
Scientific name: Bombycilla cedrurum
This bird is easy to identify. Note the crested head, black mask, red-tipped wings and yellow tail and belly. The waxwing gets its name as it is often found feasting on the berries of the cedar in winter.
Weight
1 ounce
Length
8 inches
Listen
Diet
Small fruits, such as grapes, insects in summer; berries in winter.
Habitat
Open woodlands, orchards and other places where it can find food!
Life Cycle
The cedar waxwing is very civilized within the bird world. They tend to congregate in groups, except during mating season. The male courts the female by offering her food. The female will build the nest and they will have up to two broods per season.
Ecosystem Connections
Since the cedar waxwing eats whole berries and fruits, it can spread and drop seeds wherever it goes. So many plants, desirable or not, get spread by the birds’ poop.
The brown-headed cowbird does not have luck with parasitizing the nest of the waxwing, as it feeds its young fruits, instead of high protein insects. As a result, the chick cannot survive.
How You Can Help
Plant a variety of native plants that have berries as a food source for wildlife year round.
Fun Facts
When this bird eats berries or other fruits that have been fermented because they are overripe, it can get quite tipsy and intoxicated as a result!
Calls
To hear more calls of the cedar waxwing, click here.
Getting Tipsy?
Feeding Each Other
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