Cedar waxwings and robins are two common backyard birds that occasionally interact with each other. However, they generally do not “hang out” together or form mixed flocks. There are a few key differences between cedar waxwings and robins that explain why they tend to remain separate.
Difference in Diet
One major difference between cedar waxwings and robins is their diet. Cedar waxwings are specialized fruit eaters. They mainly eat fruit and berries from trees and shrubs such as serviceberries, juniper, dogwood, mountain ash, and hawthorn. They use their unique beaks to pluck fruit directly from branches and glean insects from leaves. On the other hand, robins are omnivores that eat a wide variety of foods. Robin diets consist of about 40% invertebrates (insects, worms, snails) and 60% fruit and berries. Robins forage primarily on the ground rather than in trees.
The different foraging behaviors and food preferences of waxwings and robins limit opportunities for them to come together. Cedar waxwings concentrate where ripening fruit is abundant in trees, while robins cover ground looking for worms and insects. Waxwings will occasionally fly down to eat fallen fruit, but their fruit diet keeps them in the treetops much of the time.
Difference in Flocking Behavior
Another key difference between cedar waxwings and robins is their flocking habits. Cedar waxwings are highly social and coordinating, traveling together in flocks of 20 to hundreds of birds. The flocking allows them to track and exploit fruit resources. Their nomadic movement follows berry crop availability. In contrast, robins are territorial birds that defend breeding and feeding territories from other robins. They may occasionally form temporary flocks of a dozen or two dozen birds in migration or winter. But robins do not gather in the large coordinated flocks that waxwings do.
The differing social structures of waxwings and robins make it unlikely they will comingle. Waxwings are constantly on the move in big groups that allow information sharing about the best fruit sites. Robins stick to their defended home ranges that provide all their food needs. A waxwing flock passing through would not be welcomed by territorial robins.
Overlap in Habitat Use
Do cedar waxwings and robins share any of the same habitats or occur in the same areas? There can be some moderate overlap in habitat use. But their differing needs still keep them largely segregated.
In the summer breeding season, cedar waxwings nest high up in coniferous trees. They prefer evergreens near sources of fruit such as junipers and serviceberry shrubs. Robins nest much lower down in deciduous trees and shrubs. Robins have a strong preference for lawns, pastures, and other open grassy areas rich in earthworms and insects. These summer needs pull waxwings and robins towards different sites.
In migration and winter, waxwings and robins may congregate in some of the same fruiting trees and shrubs. For example, both species will feed on serviceberry, juniper, and mountain ash berries. However, waxwings rely on these food sources much more heavily and target specific trees in flocks. Robins are opportunistic, eating fruits intermittently between foraging elsewhere.
Interactions at Fruiting Trees
Cedar waxwings and robins occasionally converge in the same fruiting trees. But there are minimal direct interactions between the species.
Waxwings use their larger bodies and aggressiveness to displace smaller robins from prime fruit collection spots. They will dive bomb robins to drive them away. Robins will wait on the sidelines for waxwings to finish and take leftovers. There is little resource sharing or tolerance between the birds.
Sometimes waxwings and robins may nest in close proximity in yards or parks with fruiting trees. But again, they generally stick to their own kind. Robins may chase or fight off waxwings that get too close to their nest. Overall the interactions are temporary and competitive rather than cooperative.
Summary
In summary, cedar waxwings and robins occupy overlapping but mostly separate ecological niches. Key differences in their diet, flocking behavior, nest sites, and foraging locations prevent them from forming social bonds or spending significant time together. They will converge on valuable fruiting trees but compete rather than cooperate. While waxwings and robins may share space, they do not “hang out” or mix in the detailed way true affiliates would.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cedar waxwings eat the same foods as robins?
Cedar waxwings and robins have some overlap in their diets, particularly in fruit and berry consumption. But waxwings are specialized fruit eaters, while robins are omnivores that eat a lot of insects and invertebrates off the ground. Overall, their dietary niches are quite different.
Are cedar waxwings and robins ever friendly toward each other?
Cedar waxwings and robins do not form interspecies friendships or social bonds. At best, they tolerate each other when competing for fruit resources. Waxwings are aggressive and will displace robins to take the best spots. Overall, their encounters tend to be competitive rather than cooperative.
Do cedar waxwings and robins migrate together?
No, cedar waxwings and robins do not coordinate their migrations or travel together in mixed flocks. Cedar waxwings migrate nomadically in large flocks tracking fruit availability. Robins migrate individually or in looser flocks. The different migration strategies prevent the species from associating.
Do cedar waxwings and robins nest in the same trees?
It is uncommon for cedar waxwings and robins to nest closely together in the same trees. Waxwings prefer to nest high up in evergreens. Robins nest lower in deciduous trees and shrubs. Their nest site preferences generally keep them separated even if breeding in the same broader area.
Can cedar waxwings and robins breed with each other?
No, cedar waxwings and robins cannot interbreed. They belong to different genera in the avian family. Even if they attempted to mate, they could not produce viable hybrid offspring together.
Comparative Table of Cedar Waxwing and Robin Traits
Trait | Cedar Waxwing | Robin |
---|---|---|
Size | 7 inches long | 10 inches long |
Weight | 30 grams | 77 grams |
Color | Light brown, gray, yellow | Gray-brown back, reddish breast |
Beak shape | Short, wide, hooked | Longer, straighter |
Diet | Fruit, berries | Omnivore |
Flocking habit | Highly social, large flocks | Territorial, loose flocks |
Nest placement | High in conifers | Low in deciduous trees |
Migration | Nomadic, follows fruit | Individual or loose flock |
Conclusion
In conclusion, cedar waxwings and robins occupy overlapping but distinct ecological niches that prevent significant social interaction or time spent together. Their differences in diet, flocking behavior, nest sites, foraging habits, and migration strategies maintain separation between the species. Cedar waxwings and robins may converge on valuable fruit trees but compete for resources with minimal cooperation or affiliation. While they share some habitats, cedar waxwings and robins do not “hang out” or form mixed flocks like true social allies.