Cedar Waxwing

Bombycilla cedrorum

Family:

Waxwings

Size:

Very Small

Visits:

Spring, Summer, Fall

Behavior:

Perchers

Cedar Waxwing Facts

To find a cedar waxwing, follow the fruit. These forest birds have an exceptional ability to survive off fruit alone for months at a time and can be found in the summer months gulping down berries whole without even spitting out the seeds. Their fruit obsession can reach such a fever pitch that they consume past-ripe and fermented fruits, causing some cedar waxwings to fall drunk or even die.

Size:

7" Long

Markings:

Adult male and females are distinguished by prominent black eye masks, outlined in white. They have coffee-brown bodies with pale yellow bellies and yellow-tipped black tails. Cedar waxwings have a crest that tends to droop down at the back, much like a bad toupee. Juveniles are a more muted brown with whitish bellies and small black eye masks.

Habitat:

Primarily forest birds, cedar waxwings can be found anywhere there’s a good source of fruit in summer and winter (they are in part named for their love of wintertime cedar berries). Also found in suburban and urban parks and gardens.

Behavior:

Cedar waxwings are highly social and travel in packs. They’re especially adept at grabbing berries and insects while still in mid-flight. (They switch over to a more insect-based diet in breeding months.)

Diet:

Fruit; insects.

Vocals:

Call is a very high-pitched whistle that sounds like seeee.