The Cedar Waxwing is a medium-sized songbird that is found across North America. With their unique crested heads, black masks, and yellow tail tips, Cedar Waxwings are one of the more distinctive backyard birds. If you want to identify a Cedar Waxwing, there are some key field marks to look for.
Size and Shape
Cedar Waxwings are relatively slender, medium-sized songbirds. They measure 6.5-7.5 inches in length with a wingspan of 11-13 inches. They have a short, wide bill that looks almost triangular from above. Their tail is medium in length and often held folded or slightly fanned out. The overall size and shape is similar to a American Robin.
Plumage
Cedar Waxwings have soft, silky plumage that is various shades of brown. The head is a pale brownish-gray that appears crest-like. The crest often lays flat and just becomes more noticeable when the bird is excited or alarmed. The undersides and belly are a pale yellowish color. The wings show white and yellow markings when spread. The tail is grayish-brown with a distinct yellow tip.
Facial Markings
One of the most distinguishing features of Cedar Waxwings is the black mask that covers the face around the eyes. It extends back to the sides of the neck. Within the mask, the eyes are dark brown. Above the mask, the forehead and crest are grayish brown. The area below the mask from the base of the bill to chin is also blackish.
Behavior
Cedar Waxwings often move around in large flocks, sometimes numbering in the hundreds. They will congregate in trees and bushes and make frequent sallies out to catch insects. You’ll often see these large flocks moving erratically from tree to tree. They sometimes perch in an unusual manner by sitting across branches rather than parallel to them. Cedar Waxwings are social and gregarious, so if you spot one, chances are there are more nearby.
Calls and Sounds
Cedar Waxwings make very high-pitched, whistling calls. One of the most common is a very high, thin “seee.” Another is a trilled call that sounds like “breeee.” They may also make clicking, buzzing, or popping sounds.
Range and Habitat
Cedar Waxwings breed across North America and up into southern Canada. They can be found year-round throughout most of the U.S. and southern Canada. Their breeding habitat is open woodlands near water. In winter, they are often found in fruiting trees in open country as well as suburban parks and gardens.
Key Identification Features
- Medium-sized similar to a Robin
- Soft brown plumage
- Grayish crest that often lays flat on head
- Black mask around eyes extending to neck
- Bright yellow tail tip
- Whitish wing markings in flight
- Moves in large, nomadic flocks
- Makes very high-pitched, buzzing calls
Similar Species
Cedar Waxwings share the black facial masks with some other birds, most notably the Bohemian Waxwing. However, Bohemian Waxwings are larger with gray underparts, white wing markings, and bright yellow and white wingtips. Cedar Waxwings could potentially be confused with European Starlings, which also have pointed bills and brown bodies. However, Starlings are stockier with short tails, yellow bills, and no crest or wing markings.
Species | Image | Differences |
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Bohemian Waxwing |
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European Starling |
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When and Where to See Them
The best time to find Cedar Waxwings is during the non-breeding season from late fall to early spring. They tend to occur in the largest flocks at this time as they move around feeding on fruits and berries. Some key places to spot them include:
- Fruit trees – Crabapples, mountain ash, pyracantha, etc.
- Berry bushes – Junipers, hollies, Hawthornes
- Backyard fruiting trees and shrubs
- Flowering trees – Look high in blossoming tree canopies
During the breeding season, Cedar Waxwings spread out more across open wooded areas near water. However, they may still gather in small groups. Try looking for them near small ponds, streams, or other wetlands that have scattered trees and bushes.
Fun Facts
- Cedar Waxwings get their name from the waxy red tips that can appear on the secondary feathers. This look like they have sealing wax on the wings.
- They can eat fruits whole and pass seeds through their droppings which helps disperse plants.
- The bandit mask may help reduce glare from sunlight when they are flying.
- They are social even during nesting and may gather nest material together.
- Cedar Waxwings are the only waxwing found regularly in the lower 48 United States.
Conclusion
With their unique masks, crested heads, and gregarious nature, Cedar Waxwings are a favorite among many backyard birders. They can be found throughout most of North America during winter, and watching a large flock descend on a fruit tree is an unforgettable sight. Learning to recognize their various calls, flight patterns, and field marks are keys to identifying them. So keep an eye on those tree tops and you just may spot these elegant “bandits” passing through your neighborhood!