Cedar Waxwings are medium-sized songbirds that breed across North America and migrate south for the winter. They get their name from the unique red wax-like tips on their secondary feathers. Cedar Waxwings are highly social and travel in large flocks. They have a high-pitched call and frequently pass fruits and berries back and forth as they perch in trees.
Cedar Waxwings are found throughout northern California during the spring and summer breeding season, but most migrate south for the winter. Whether Cedar Waxwings winter in northern California depends on the amount of fruit available and the severity of the winter weather. Some do overwinter if food supplies allow.
Breeding Range and Habitat
Cedar Waxwings breed throughout northern California in spring and summer. Their breeding range covers the northern two-thirds of the state, including the Coast Ranges, the Sierra Nevada, and northeastern mountains.
Cedar Waxwings nest in open woodlands, along riparian corridors, in parks and suburbs, and in orchards and other fruiting trees. They build nests high up in tree branches. Nesting habitat generally includes areas with fruit bearing trees and shrubs, as well as sources of insects and other protein rich foods.
Some key facts about the Cedar Waxwing’s breeding range in northern California:
- Found across northern two-thirds of California
- Common in Coast Ranges, Sierra Nevada, Cascades
- Nests in open woodlands, riparian areas, orchards
- Attracted to fruit sources like berry bushes, small orchards
- Also forages in tree canopies for insects
Winter Range and Habitat
Most Cedar Waxwings that breed in northern California migrate south for winter, though some may overwinter if berry sources persist. Their winter range centers in Southern California and extends into neighboring states like Arizona.
Some key facts about the Cedar Waxwing’s winter range and habitat:
- Most winter from Southern California south
- Some overwinter in northern CA if food allows
- Require persistent berry sources in winter
- Also eat bugs off trees in winter
- Often mix in large flocks while foraging
Cedar Waxwings require reliable food sources while overwintering in California. This includes stands of fruit-bearing trees like junipers, crabapples, and small ornamental trees. They also forage in leaf litter and tree branches for insects. Places that provide both fruit and insects, such as urban parks and suburbs, can support overwintering birds.
Do Cedar Waxwings Stay in Northern California in Winter?
While most Cedar Waxwings that breed in northern California migrate south for winter, some numbers do overwinter in the north, especially in milder winters. The availability of key food sources is the main factor determining if Cedar Waxwings will stay in northern California in winter.
Here are some key points:
- A minority overwinter in northern California
- Persistence of berry crops and fruit is key
- Also need insects for protein in winter
- More likely to overwinter in milder winters
- Urban areas with fruiting trees can hold birds
Cedar Waxwings appear more likely to overwinter in northern California during warmer winters with persistent food supplies. Even a single fruit-bearing tree can help support wintering waxwings. They also eat insects when available, so trees and shrubs that hold dormant bugs are important. Mild winter temperatures reduce their energy demands as well. Urban areas that provide both fruit and insects are especially attractive.
Key Winter Food Sources
Cedar Waxwings rely on a few key food sources to get them through the winter in northern California and other parts of their range:
- Juniper and cedar berries
- Fruits from crabapples, pyracantha, etc
- Persimmons
- Insects picked off trees
- Rarely sapsucker drillings
Juniper and cedar berry crops are especially important winter foods. Waxwings will move around, tracking down fruiting trees and shrubs. They also eat fallen fruits off the ground. Crabapples, hawthorns, and introduced species like pyracantha provide sustenance as well. Persimmons are a favorite winter fruit when available. Cedar Waxwings supplement fruits by occasionally grabbing dormant insects off branches and trunks. Sapsucker drillings in trees provide another rare food source.
Table of Key Winter Foods for Cedar Waxwings
Food Source | Details |
---|---|
Juniper berries | Ripen in late fall/winter, highly attractive |
Cedar berries | Also ripen in winter, waxwings feed heavily on them |
Crabapples | Fallen fruits consumed through winter |
Persimmons | Sweet, soft fruits eaten when available |
Insects | Provide protein, picked off trees |
Where to See Overwintering Cedar Waxwings
Though many Cedar Waxwings migrate south for winter, it’s still possible to spot overwintering waxwings in some areas of northern California if conditions allow:
- Parks with fruiting trees
- Backyards with crabapples or junipers
- College campuses and gardens
- Areas near pyracantha hedges
- Nature reserves with winter berries
Parks and suburban areas with ornamental fruit trees provide food for overwintering Cedar Waxwings. Backyards with plants like crabapples or junipers can attract waxwings. College campuses and botanical gardens that have diverse plantings are another option. Waxwings also seek out introduced species like pyracantha hedges. Nature reserves with winter-fruiting native plants may draw in waxwings as well. Checking flocks of robins and other fruit-eating birds may reveal Cedar Waxwings mixed in.
Population and Conservation Status
Cedar Waxwings remain common throughout their range. Partners in Flight estimates a global breeding population of 15 million, with 79% spending part of the year in the U.S. They have a large range and are not considered threatened. However, like many birds, their populations have declined in recent decades according to Breeding Bird Survey data. Maintaining winter food sources appears important for supporting wintering waxwings. Limiting pesticide use around berry crops and fruiting trees can also help provide safe food. Plantings of native trees and shrubs that bear winter fruits are also beneficial. Given adequate food resources, Cedar Waxwings are likely to continue wintering in northern California in modest numbers, though their populations may fluctuate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cedar Waxwings nest across much of northern California, but most migrate south in winter. However, some Cedar Waxwings can be found overwintering in northern California, especially in milder winters when persistent food sources like fruiting trees and bushes are available. Parks, suburban areas, and reserves that provide winter fruits like juniper berries allow Cedar Waxwings to overwinter successfully. Backyards with crabapples or planted ornamentals can also attract waxwings. While they are a less common winter bird in the region, northern California birders can find Cedar Waxwings during the winter months by checking flocks of fruit-eating birds. Protecting stands of winter-fruiting trees and limiting pesticides will help provide the food resources these social songbirds need. Even if present only in small numbers, Cedar Waxwings add a splash of color to northern California’s winter landscape.