Waxwings are medium-sized perching birds that belong to the Bombycillidae family. There are three species of waxwings: Bohemian Waxwing, Cedar Waxwing, and Japanese Waxwing. Waxwings are named for the wax-like tips on their secondary flight feathers, which resemble red sealing wax.
Waxwings are sociable birds that often move and feed in flocks. They have elaborate plumage and crested heads, which gives them a unique silhouette when perched. Waxwings mostly eat fruit and berries and are irruptive migrants, meaning they will travel south some years when their food supplies farther north are scarce.
Since waxwings primarily eat fruit, many people wonder if they will visit backyard fruit feeders. The short answer is maybe, but waxwings only occasionally come to fruit feeders under the right circumstances. Keep reading to learn more about waxwing habits, diet, and how to attract them to your yard.
Do Waxwings Eat Fruit?
Yes, fruit makes up the majority of waxwings’ diet. They prefer smaller fruits like berries from ornamental trees and shrubs. Some of their favorites include:
- Serviceberries
- Chokecherries
- Hawthorn fruits
- Crabapples
- Juniper berries
- Mountain ash berries
- Mistletoe berries
Waxwings will also occasionally eat buds, seeds, and insects, especially in summer when fruit is more scarce. But fruit comprises over 50% of their annual diet.
In winter, waxwings rely heavily on persistent fruits that cling to branches even in snow and ice. These cold-hardy fruits include mountain ash, crabapples, winterberries, and eastern red cedar. By sticking to a fruit diet year-round, waxwings can take advantage of food sources that are plentiful in some seasons but scarce for other birds in winter.
When and Where do Waxwings Feed?
Waxwings feed mainly in open woodlands, along forest edges, in orchards, and in landscaped parks or yards. They perch upright in treetops and tall shrubs, then swoop down to pluck hanging fruit.
These birds are nomadic and go wherever fruits are readily available. In late summer and fall, they concentrate in berry-rich areas of Canada and the northern U.S. Some years when fruit crops are sparse farther north, waxwings will irrupt south in search of food.
Waxwings are social and feed in flocks that can number in the hundreds. They call back and forth constantly to coordinate foraging and alert each other to fruiting trees.
Unlike many birds, waxwings may feed heavily throughout the day. They eat fruits sequentially as they ripen and will return to the same trees day after day until crops are depleted. Feeding activity peaks in early morning and late afternoon.
Waxwings rely on vision to spot fruit while flying over the landscape. They need ample sunlight, so cloudy days will suppress feeding. Cold weather does not deter them as long as fruits remain exposed above snow.
Do Waxwings Come to Feeders?
Waxwings only occasionally visit backyard fruit feeders. As wild birds, they prefer to feed on native, natural foods within a larger landscape. However, waxwings may stop at yards with fruiting trees and shrubs or feeders stocked with their favorite fruits.
Here are some tips to increase your chances of attracting waxwings:
- Plant native trees and shrubs that produce small fruits attractive to waxwings.
- Choose cultivars selected for fruit production over ornamental varieties.
- Arrange plantings in clumps rather than single specimens.
- Allow some fruits to linger on branches into winter.
- Supply clean, fresh water daily.
- Set up fruit feeders with preferred fruits near fruiting trees.
The most likely fruits to draw in waxwings at feeders are those from native plants suited for your region. For example, Pacific Northwest yards may get visits with Sitka mountain ash while Northeastern yards could have success with winterberries.
You’re more likely to get waxwings at feeders on irruptive winters when natural crops are low farther north. Maintaining natural habitat and food sources on your property will improve your chances versus just a single fruit feeder. But they may discover and return to any new, plentiful food source.
Best Fruits for Waxwing Feeders
The best fruits to offer waxwings will vary by location and season. Choose fruits native to your region that ripen at different times. Good options include:
Fruit | Description |
---|---|
Serviceberries | Ripens June-July depending on species. Native across much of North America. |
Elderberries | Ripens late summer. Native to eastern and central North America. |
Hawthorn | Ripens late summer into fall. Native shrubs and small trees across North America. |
Crabapples | Ripens late summer into winter. Cultivars available for all regions. |
Mountain Ash | Ripens late summer into winter. Native species in northwest and eastern North America. |
Winterberries | Ripens late fall, persists into winter. Native shrubs in eastern North America. |
Select cultivars of fruit trees and shrubs developed for ornamental qualities and heavy fruit production. Be sure your climate matches their growing range.
For feeders, offer fruits that are small enough for waxwings to consume easily. Chop up larger fruits like apples or peaches into smaller pieces. Skewer cut fruits onto branches or stack them in open trays.
Replace feeder fruits at least every couple days to prevent spoilage. Clean feeders regularly to avoid transmission of diseases between birds.
Fruit Feeder Considerations
Here are some other tips for creating successful waxwing fruit feeders:
- Site feeders in open areas with visibility to treetops where waxwings perch.
- Elevate feeders 15 feet or higher to facilitate flight access.
- Place multiple feeders around your yard to reduce competition.
- Choose durable metal, plastic, or ceramic feeders that protect fruits from squirrels.
- Monitor fruit volume and replace before feeders empty out each day.
- Clean and disinfect feeders regularly to prevent spread of disease.
- Supply a water source like a birdbath, fountain, or mister.
Be aware that other birds like robins, thrushes, sparrows, woodpeckers, and starlings may also visit fruit feeders. Monitor to be sure waxwings are getting enough.
Conclusion
Waxwings are fruit-loving birds that may occasionally visit yards and fruit feeders during their nomadic winter wandering. But they prefer to feed on native plants as part of a varied habitat. By landscaping with fruiting trees, shrubs, and vines that provide a seasonal sequence of ripe fruits, you can create an attractive winter refuge for waxwings. Place fruit feeders bountifully stocked with their favored fruits to supplement natural food sources. With the right habitat and a little luck, waxwings may descend on your yard to enjoy your winter berry buffet.