bird · GBIF taxon 2484609
Cedar Waxwing
Bombycilla cedrorumAlso known as Cedar Bird, Canada Robin
Cedar waxwings are sleek, crested songbirds defined by their silky peach-brown plumage, striking black masks, and brilliant red waxy tips on their secondary wing feathers. These highly social birds travel in nomadic flocks, filling the canopy with high-pitched, thin whistles as they search for ripe fruit. During the breeding season, pairs perform a charming courtship ritual, passing a single berry back and forth until one finally eats it.
FrugivorousSocialMigratory
1 / 7- diet
- Fleshy fruits, berries, and flying insects
- family
- Bombycillidae
- threats
- Window collisions, pesticide exposure, and outdoor cats
- life Span
- 5 to 8 years
LC
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- Plant Native Shrubs: Attract these birds by planting berry-producing species like serviceberry, dogwood, and juniper.
- Prevent Window Strikes: Apply decals or screens to large windows, as these fast-flying birds are highly susceptible to collisions.
- Listen for Whistles: Locate flocks by listening for their distinctive, high-pitched, trilling calls coming from the treetops.