Bohemian Waxwing or Cedar Waxwing: What Are The Differences?

Bohemian peacebird (Bumblebee) and Cedar Waxwing (cedar) at first glance are very similar birds. These elegant fruit-eaters from the family Bombycillidae are widely distributed in North America and occur together throughout most of their range.

So how do you tell the difference between a Bohemian Waxwing and a Cedar Waxwing?

The Cedar Waxwing is smaller, browner, and less colored than the Bohemian Waxwing. Both species are found in parts of the contiguous United States at certain times of the year, but the Cedar Waxwing is more common and widespread, especially in the South.

These birds have similar high-pitched calls, but with a little practice, you should be able to tell the difference between the two at close range. Look for the color difference on the outer edges of the folded wings and under the tail to confirm your identity.

The Cedar Waxwing has white feathers under its tail, while the Bohemian Waxwing has yellow stripes along the edges of its wings.

Ready to learn how to tell the difference between these beautiful birds? Read on for an in-depth comparison!

bohemian peacebird (Bumblebee)

Cedar Waxwing (Bumblebee)

Distribution difference

Bohemian and Cedar Waxwings occur together over most of their American range, but there are large areas where the two species do not overlap.

Both species are nomadic and partially migratory. These professional frugivores move in flocks during the non-breeding season, looking for fruit trees to feast on before moving on.

Cedar Waxwings visit the American Southwest and Southeast in winter. Bohemian peacebirds do not migrate south, although they occur farther north in Alaska and northern Canada.

Read on to learn more about the distribution of these birds.

Bohemian peacebird feeding on red berries

Bohemian Pacific Bird Distribution

The Bohemian peacebird lives year-round in the extreme northwestern part of the lower 48 states of the United States, western Canada and southern Alaska.

These widespread nomads are further north than the cedar waxwax. They also occur in northern Europe and Asia.

Some of these migrants visit much of Alaska and central and northwestern Canada during the summer breeding season. In winter, many Bohemian peacebirds fly south to southern Canada and the United States.

Their Lower 48 distribution includes most of the West, the northern half of the Midwest, and the Northeast. In some years, Bohemian flatbirds can be found in as far south as New Mexico and Arkansas.

Cedar Waxwing Distribution

Cedar Waxwings are found throughout the United States, although they are nomadic and their movements are often unpredictable. These birds are found year-round in the northern half of the United States and Canada, from the West Coast to the East.

Cedar Waxwings migrate north during the summer, breeding in the northern U.S. states and central Canada. These birds travel as far as Florida and even travel through Mexico to Central America in the winter. Their erratic movements are a response to weather and fruit availability.

Cedar Waxwing Feeds on Red Berries

Which is bigger, the Bohemian Waxwing or the Cedar Waxwing?

The Bohemian Waxwing is much larger than the Cedar Waxwing. They average about three-quarters of an inch long, but are heavier, even twice as large as their southern counterparts.

Read on for more details on their weight and length.

bohemian flat bird size

• Bohemian peacefulbirds are 6.3 to 8.5 inches (16 – 21 cm) long.
• These stout waxwings weigh 1.6 to 2.5 ounces (45 – 70 grams).
• They measure approximately 13 – 14.5 inches (33 – 37 cm) between their wingtips.

Cedar Waxwing Measurements

• Cedar Waxwings are 5.5 – 7.5 inches (14 – 19 cm) long.
• They weigh approximately 1.1 oz (32 g).
• Cedar Waxwings have a wingspan of 8.7 – 12 inches (22 – 30 cm).

Bohemian peacebird in flight

Which is more common, the Bohemian Waxwing or the Cedar Waxwing?

Birders are more likely to spot cedar waxwings in the lower 48 degrees of the contiguous United States, especially in mid- and southern latitudes.The Bohemian peacebird is the more common species in northern Canada, and the only one silkworm moth species in Alaska.

Cedar Waxwing Takeoff Flight

Other Differences Between Bohemian Waxwings and Cedar Waxwings

The size differences between the Bohemian Waxwing and the Cedar Waxwing were particularly pronounced when observed together in mixed flocks.

However, accurate identification can be more difficult when only one species is seen, especially in areas where both species occur. Fortunately, there are some very noticeable differences in their appearance to be aware of.

feather

Plumage color is the most reliable way of distinguishing these two similar birds in the wild. Read on to learn which feather differences to look for.

lower body

General body color is a good starting point when distinguishing American Waxwings. Bohemian Waxwings appear grayer overall, while Cedar Waxwings have warmer brown and yellow bellies.

The color of the feathers under the tail is one of the most obvious differences between these two similar species. The Cedar Waxwing has white airy plumage, while the Bohemian Waxwing has reddish-brown under its tail feathers.

Close up of a perched bohemian peacebird

Face

Bohemian peacebirds have rusty browns on their faces above and below their black eye lines. They also have a prominent black spot under their chin. Cedar Waxwings have a less distinct mark under the chin, but their black eye “mask” has a distinct white border.

wing

Adults of both species have as many as nine waxy red wingtip feathers, and some white markings can be seen on the closed wings. However, Cedar Waxwings have softer wing markings.

Bohemian peacebirds have a diagnostic vertical white stripe on the black flight feathers on the lower edge of each wing. The Bohemian flatbird also has more colorful markings on the outer edges of its closed wings, including yellow stripes with alternating black and white stripes.

Close up of perched cedar waxwing

call

Waxwings are non-singing songbirds. However, both North American species are vocal birds, and you’ll often hear them long before you see them. Waxwings often make high-pitched calls when flying in flocks and foraging for food.

Cedar Waxwings produce two high-pitched sounds, a quick trill, and a short but steady whistle. The call of the Bohemian peacebird is slightly low and fast, lasting less than half a second.

nesting

Cedar Waxwings begin nesting in mid to late summer. Their breeding range includes most of the northern United States and southern Canada. They start relatively late to take advantage of the abundance of fruit and berries at that time of year and are often able to raise two litters in one season.

The Bohemian peacebird breeds farther north, including much of northern Canada and Alaska. At those high latitudes, summers are short and only two to six pups can be raised each year.

Bohemian Pacific bird perched on a branch

Female Bohemian Waxwing vs Female Cedar Waxwing

Female Cedar Waxwings look nearly identical to males, but typically have fewer waxy wingtips and a narrower yellow band at the end of their tails. Bohemia pacific females also differ from males in that they have a less distinct throat patch.

Females of the two species can be distinguished by the same differences in body size, lower body and wing color as males.

Cedar Waxwing Perched on Branch

Juvenile Bohemian Waxwing vs Juvenile Cedar Waxwing

Birdwatchers can spot juvenile waxwings from midsummer to midwinter. These juveniles are easy to distinguish from adults because of their “scraggly” appearance and short crests, but how do you tell a juvenile Bohemian from a juvenile Cedar Waxwing?

The Bohemian Waxwing emerges in its young plumage from June to October, while the juvenile Cedar Waxwing emerges from July to December. The reddish-brown coloration under the tail of juvenile bohemian pinnacles is diagnostic. Juvenile Cedar Waxwings have white feathers under the tail.