Attract Cedar Waxwings: A Delightful Visitor to Your Backyard

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Natural History of Cedar Waxwings
  • Description and Identification
  • Range and Migration
  • Feeding Habits
• Courtship and Nesting
  • Mating and Pairing
  • Nesting Sites and Nest Construction
  • Incubation and Fledging
• Attracting Cedar Waxwings to Your Yard
  • Planting Native Fruit-Bearing Trees and Shrubs
  • Offering Fruit and Water
  • Dealing with Invasive Species
• Conclusion

Cedar Waxwings: A Delightful Visitor to Your Backyard

Cedar Waxwings are one of nature's most charming and graceful birds. With their silky smooth plumage and distinctive markings, these songbirds are a joy to watch and attract to your backyard. In this article, we will explore the natural history of Cedar Waxwings, their fascinating behaviors, and how you can create an inviting environment to attract them. So, grab your binoculars and get ready to learn more about these delightful visitors!

Natural History of Cedar Waxwings

Description and Identification

Cedar Waxwings, scientifically known as Bombycilla cedrorum, are medium-sized songbirds belonging to the family Bombycillidae. They are easily recognized by their unique features, including a crest on their head and pointed wings. Their plumage is predominantly brown with a hint of gray, and they have a pale yellow belly. The most striking characteristics of Cedar Waxwings are the black mask on their face and the red-tipped wings.

Range and Migration

Cedar Waxwings can be found in various parts of North America, with a year-round presence in the central regions. Their summer breeding range extends into Canada, while their winter range stretches down to Central America. In some locations, such as the higher elevations of North Carolina, Cedar Waxwings are only present during the winter months.

Feeding Habits

These frugivorous birds have a voracious appetite for fruits, especially berries. Their diet primarily consists of various fruits, such as blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and cedar berries. Cedar Waxwings play a vital role in seed dispersal, as the seeds they ingest pass through their digestive system and are excreted intact in a different location. This helps in the distribution and growth of different plant populations.

Courtship and Nesting

Mating and Pairing

During the breeding season, which typically occurs from April to June, Cedar Waxwings form monogamous pairs. Females choose the nesting site, usually at the edge of wooded areas or isolated trees and shrubs. The courtship rituals of Cedar Waxwings include courtship feeding, where the male offers food to the female, and courtship hopping, where they pass food items back and forth.

Nesting Sites and Nest Construction

The female Cedar Waxwing constructs the nest, which takes around five to six days to complete. The nest is bulky and cup-shaped, made using twigs, cattail down, moss, and dead leaves. Cedar Waxwings often reuse materials from other nests, such as those of Baltimore Orioles. Dangling grass or fruiting heads, such as catkins, are common indicators of a Cedar Waxwing's nest.

Incubation and Fledging

After around 11 to 13 days of incubation by the female, the eggs hatch, and the nestlings emerge. The young Cedar Waxwings are altricial, dependent on their parents for food and care. The nestlings go through a development period of approximately 14 to 18 days, during which they grow their feathers. Once they have all their feathers, the fledglings leave the nest and are cared for by their parents outside of the nest for about five weeks.

Attracting Cedar Waxwings to Your Yard

If you want to attract Cedar Waxwings to your yard, there are several steps you can take:

Planting Native Fruit-Bearing Trees and Shrubs

Cedar Waxwings are especially attracted to fruit-bearing plants such as dogwood, serviceberry, juniper, hawthorn, and winterberry. Including these native plants in your landscaping will provide a food source that Cedar Waxwings love. Additionally, if you have cedar trees in your area, maintaining them will increase the chances of attracting Cedar Waxwings.

Offering Fruit and Water

Another way to attract Cedar Waxwings is by offering fruit in your yard. Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and chopped apples can be placed in feeders or scattered in suitable locations. It's crucial to keep the fruit fresh and monitor it to prevent fermentation. Cedar Waxwings are also attracted to water features, such as birdbaths or shallow trays. Providing a water source helps keep the birds hydrated and aids in maintaining their feathers.

Dealing with Invasive Species

When selecting plants for your yard, be mindful of invasive species like Chinese privet, which can harm the ecosystem. Cedar Waxwings may consume the berries of invasive plants, leading to their spread. It is essential to choose native plants and avoid invasive species, promoting biodiversity and the overall well-being of your yard.

Conclusion

Cedar Waxwings are delightful birds known for their distinctive appearance and fascinating behaviors. By understanding their natural history and providing the right environment, you can attract these beautiful songbirds to your backyard. Planting native fruit-bearing trees and shrubs, offering fresh fruit and water, and avoiding invasive species are key steps in creating an inviting habitat for Cedar Waxwings. So, get ready to enjoy the company of these enchanting birds and observe their graceful presence in your own backyard.