Cedar Waxwings are distinctive songbirds, known for their elegant appearance and social nature. These sleek birds feature smooth, brown plumage that fades to pale yellow on their bellies. They are characterized by a prominent crest, a black mask across their eyes, a bright yellow tail tip, and unique waxy red tips on their secondary wing feathers, which give them their name.
Understanding Their Feeding Habits
Cedar Waxwings are primarily frugivores, meaning their diet consists mainly of fruits. They generally do not frequent traditional backyard bird feeders that offer seeds, such as sunflower or mixed seed blends. These birds lack the robust beaks necessary for cracking hard seeds, and their digestive systems are optimized for processing soft, sugary fruits. Therefore, typical seed mixes will likely not attract them.
While they largely ignore seed feeders, Cedar Waxwings can be drawn to specialized fruit feeders. These might include platform feeders offering fresh fruit pieces like orange halves, apple slices, or grapes. Some bird enthusiasts also provide grape jelly in small dishes, mimicking their preferred natural foods. Such offerings can provide a temporary food source when natural berries are scarce.
Preferred Natural Foods
The natural diet of Cedar Waxwings consists primarily of various berries and small fruits, forming the foundation of their year-round sustenance. Throughout different seasons, they forage for a wide array of native fruits, including serviceberry, cherries, juniper, mulberries, dogwood berries, and wild grapes.
While fruits constitute the vast majority of their diet, Cedar Waxwings are opportunistic feeders and consume insects, particularly during the breeding season. This provides essential protein for nesting adults and their developing young. The availability of diverse fruit sources directly influences their migratory patterns and local presence.
Creating a Welcoming Habitat
To attract Cedar Waxwings to a yard or garden, focusing on habitat enhancement rather than traditional feeders is the most effective strategy. Planting native fruit-bearing trees and shrubs provides a sustainable and preferred food source. Excellent choices include serviceberry, chokecherry, dogwood, and elderberry, which offer abundant fruit throughout the year. A diverse planting ensures a continuous food supply.
Providing a reliable water source is another effective way to attract Cedar Waxwings, as they frequently drink and bathe. A shallow bird bath, especially one with a dripper or mister, can be particularly appealing to them. The sound and movement of water often draw their attention and encourage them to visit. Additionally, avoiding pesticides helps protect insect populations that serve as an occasional protein source, especially during nesting.
Given their social nature, planting multiple fruit-bearing plants can encourage entire flocks of Cedar Waxwings to visit. These birds often travel in groups, particularly outside of the breeding season, and a plentiful food supply encourages them to linger. A well-designed landscape that mimics their natural foraging environment is more effective than any feeder in drawing these birds.