ExploreBird

Cedar Waxwing

Bombycilla cedrorum

Cedar Waxwings are beautiful birds with soft, yellow bellies and stylish crests on their heads. They love to eat berries and often travel in cheerful groups.

Habitat: Forests and gardens

Appearance

The Cedar Waxwing has a sleek, brown and gray body with a pale yellow belly, a prominent crest, and a black bandit mask. Its tail has a bright yellow tip, and its wings feature unique red, waxy droplets.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyBombycillidaeGenusBombycilla

Cedar Waxwing

Interesting facts

Baby waxwings leave the nest even before they can fly well!

Their distinctive black eye mask is called a supercilium!

They sometimes get tipsy from eating fermented berries!

Waxwings pass berries beak-to-beak down a whole line!

Special abilities

Cedar Waxwings can digest large amounts of fruit quickly because of their special stomach, helping them fuel up on berries.

Cedar Waxwings have red, waxy drops on their wing feathers that may help them show off to potential mates.

Cedar Waxwings can communicate with a high-pitched, whistled call, helping their flock stay together while flying.

Measurements & details

Length: 14-17 cm
Wingspan: 28-32 cm
Weight: 0.03-0.035 kg
Lifespan: 5-8 years
Top Speed: 40 km/h
Clutch Size: 3-6
Incubation: 11-13 days

Diet & Feeding

These birds mainly eat fruits and berries, but also snack on insects, especially in summer.

Age differences: Young birds eat mostly insects for protein, shifting to a fruit-heavy diet as adults.

Primary Foods

berries
cherries
mulberries
mayflies
caterpillars

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Cooper's Hawk

Accipiter cooperii

A primary predator of adult waxwings.

eats

Eastern Redcedar

Juniperus virginiana

Feeds on its berries, giving them their name.

eats

Black Cherry

Prunus serotina

Consumes ripe fruit from these trees.

eats

Common Eastern Bumblebee

Bombus impatiens

An occasional insect prey item.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Feathered

These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.

Social

Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.

Omnivorous

Meet versatile eaters who enjoy a wide variety of foods, from plants to other animals, allowing them to adapt to many different environments. They're nature's flexible diners!