Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) in the wild — Catch'Um species field guide

Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) wildlife photograph

Overview

Cedar waxwings are sleek, crested songbirds with silky brown plumage, a sharp black mask, and red wax-like tips on the secondary feathers. They travel in flocks that descend on berry-laden trees and pass fruit down the line with charming courtesy.

For US collectors, the cedar waxwing is a berry-season staple — masked flock, high thin whistles, and a common fruit-tree visitor from suburbs to wild edges.

Scientific nameBombycilla cedrorum
Length14–17 cm
Weight30–35 g
LifespanAround 5–8 years in the wild
DietPrimarily berries and…
ConservationLeast Concern
RegionNorth American Berry Country

Habitat

Fruiting suburb
Riparian woodland
Orchard
Open forest edge

Open woodland, orchards, suburbs, and riparian edges across North America wherever fruiting trees and shrubs provide berries through the seasons.

Countries found

Cedar Waxwing in United States

Field notes

Field scale for the Cedar Waxwing: length around 14-17 cm; weight 30-35 g. Typical lifespan: Around 5-8 years in the wild.

When you are scanning habitat, prioritise fruiting suburb, riparian woodland, orchard, and open forest edge. Those settings are where a clean look and a usable photo are most likely.

Quick ID anchor: Sleek brown crest, black mask, yellow belly wash, and yellow tail tip. Confirm with behaviour and habitat before you log the discovery.

Diet

Primarily berries and small fruits year-round when available.

Also catch flying insects, especially in the breeding season.

Behaviour

Nomadic flocks follow fruiting crops across the landscape.

Line up on branches and pass berries from bird to bird.

How to identify

Sleek brown crest, black mask, yellow belly wash, and yellow tail tip.

Red wax droplets on wing tips of many adults.

Interesting facts

01
Named for red wax-like tips on the wing secondaries.
02
Black mask and pointed crest give a bandit look.
03
Highly social flocks gorge on berries and pass fruit to neighbours.
04
Thin, high-pitched whistles are often heard before the flock is seen.
05
Can become intoxicated on overripe fermenting fruit.
06
Yellow tail tip is a neat field mark in flight.

Conservation status

LC: Least Concern

Cedar waxwings are Least Concern and often benefit from ornamental fruit plantings. Pesticide use on fruit trees and window collisions are local risks.

Sources: IUCN Red List