Cedar waxwings feast on the berries of winter — sometimes a little too much for their own good
By Susan Campbell
Now is the time: The dogwood and holly berries ripen, and large flocks of cedar waxwings appear to partake of nature’s bounty. Waxwings are sleek brown birds that sport a black mask, yellowish belly and tail tip. Although both males and females have a crest of tan feathers, it is rarely raised during the non-breeding season. These birds get their name from the bright red, waxy spots on their wing feathers. The waxwing’s high-pitched whistle is also very distinctive. The Bohemian waxwing, a close relative, is a larger, grayer bird much farther to the north and west in North America.
During the warmer months, cedar waxwings can be found in northerly latitudes breeding in a variety of moist habitats. A pair will seek out a sizable conifer and the female will build a nest of soft material in which to lay her eggs. Three to five young will be produced and, not long after they fledge, the family will join with other waxwings even before fall migration begins. The species is very social most of the year. In winter, it is not unusual for flocks to number in the hundreds.
Cedar waxwings are unusual in that they can subsist for months at a time on berries. Although they do feed on insects in the summertime, they have no trouble consuming only fruit when the weather gets cold. They swallow whatever small berries they can find: seeds and all. This can be problematic in late winter when the sweet morsels ferment. Waxwings can become tipsy from consuming over-ripe berries and risk being picked off by predators. The accident-prone birds are very susceptible to colliding with windows, and a berry drunkenness increases this likelihood. If they are startled, they may make an injurious or fatal error by flying into the reflection of the sky on the glass. To prevent this, break up window reflection with sun catchers, stickers, hanging plants and the like.
These handsome birds surprise people when they take advantage of birdbaths. If you are fortunate enough to experience cedar waxwings descending en masse, it is quite a spectacle. Of course, they can drain a water source in no time if they have been feeding heavily nearby.
If you want to attract cedar waxwings to your yard, in addition to a water source, add more native fruiting trees and shrubs for them. You could consider any one of a variety of hollies, or try adding cedar, juniper, serviceberry or wax myrtle. Do not forget that, like all of our wintering birds, waxwings need thick cover while they are here. Many of the berry-producing species are, of course, valuable for cover as well, but Southern magnolia (many in the bay family, in fact), Leyland cypress or even red tips may prove beneficial in drawing these spirited holiday partiers to your home.
Susan would love to receive your wildlife sightings and photos at susan@ncaves.com
