Cedar waxwings are medium-sized songbirds that are found across North America. They get their name from the waxy red tips on their secondary feathers that look like sealing wax. Cedar waxwings are highly social birds that travel in large flocks and can often be seen in berry bushes or fruit trees. But where do these sociable birds sleep at night?
Roosting Habits
Cedar waxwings are known to gather in large communal roosts to sleep overnight. They prefer to roost in dense conifers, orchards, or other areas with a lot of vegetation. The large flocks provide safety in numbers and help the birds stay warm throughout the night.
Some key facts about cedar waxwing roosting habits:
- Roost sites are typically chosen close to their feeding areas.
- They exhibit strong roost site fidelity, often using the same sites year after year.
- Roosts can range from just a few dozen to several hundred or even thousands of birds.
- The same roosts are often used by other species like American robins and European starlings.
Choosing Roost Sites
Cedar waxwings look for certain characteristics when choosing where to roost for the night:
- Shelter – Dense trees or shrubs provide cover from the elements and predators.
- Isolation – They prefer isolated areas away from human disturbance.
- Evergreens – Conifers like cedars offer year-round shelter and protection.
- Fruit trees – Orchards with berries or fruit are favored in some regions.
- Water – Nearby sources of drinking water are advantageous.
Ideal roosting sites will have a combination of these features to allow the birds to rest safely and comfortably.
Roosting Behavior
As night approaches, cedar waxwings begin flying toward their chosen communal roost. Their flight is direct and steady as they stream toward the site in small groups or large flocks.
Once settled in the roost, the waxwings will jostle for position in the dense branches. They tend to perch relatively upright while roosting. Their feet are positioned flat on the perch instead of gripping it with their toes.
Throughout the night, there is constant movement within the roost as the birds shift positions, preen, or interact with each other. There is also vocal communication, with soft trills and calls passing between the waxwings.
In the morning, the birds will leave the roost soon after sunrise. Departures are leisurely, with small flocks leaving over a period of 30 minutes or more until the roost is empty.
Reasons for Communal Roosting
Why do cedar waxwings and other species roost communally instead of singly? There are several key advantages:
- Safety – More eyes and ears to watch for potential predators.
- Thermoregulation – Huddling together helps retain body heat.
- Social – Information sharing and pair bonding can occur at the roost.
- Navigation – Following others to and from the roost site.
Roosting as a flock provides waxwings multiple benefits beyond just having a place to sleep for the night.
Seasonal Differences
Cedar waxwing roosting habits can change somewhat depending on the season:
- In winter, roosts tend to be larger as flocks join up for added warmth.
- Breeding birds often roost in smaller groups closer to nest sites.
- Young birds form large flocks after fledging and may roost earlier.
- Roosts are typically noisiest early in the season as social hierarchies form.
But in general, waxwings will seek out dense vegetation in secluded locations that offer shelter from the elements year-round.
Regional Variations
The specific roost sites used by cedar waxwings can vary in different parts of the country:
- In the Northeast, orchard trees, spruce, and red cedar stands are common roosts.
- Southeastern waxwings often prefer pine trees, magnolias, and bamboo thickets.
- Birds in the West may pick deodar cedars, Douglas firs, or mountain mahogany.
- In the Midwest, waxwings roost in hackberry trees, privet hedges, and other dense foliage.
But regardless of regional variations, the birds select areas with protective cover, food sources nearby, and relative isolation.
Threats and Conservation
Although cedar waxwing numbers are still relatively strong, loss of winter roost sites is a concern for conservation:
- Development and land clearing destroys sheltering roost trees and bushes.
- Residential areas increase light and noise that can disturb roosting flocks.
- Fewer fruit orchards reduce availability of favoured roost locations.
Protecting existing communal roost sites and planting native vegetation may help provide the sheltered areas these sociable songbirds need.
Conclusion
Cedar waxwings are highly gregarious birds that congregate in large roosts each night. They exhibit preferences for roost sites that offer dense vegetation, isolation, and proximity to food sources. Within the roost, the waxwings gain multiple benefits including safety in numbers, social interaction, and thermoregulation. Roosting habits can shift somewhat by season and region, but the preferences for shelter and seclusion remain constant. As human activity encroaches on natural areas, conservation efforts aimed at protecting roost sites will be important for preserving cedar waxwing populations.
