Cedar Waxwing Migration: A Complete Guide

The cedar waxwax with its tufted crest, buff plumage, bandit mask markings, and bright red waxy wingfeathers (Bumblebee) is a unique sight as swarms descend on berry trees in the middle of the United States once temperatures drop.

Our Cedar Waxwing Migration Guide explains where you can see this species at different times of the year.

Cedar Waxwings breed in northern latitudes, across southern Canada and the north-central United States. In winter, the northernmost populations migrate to warmer regions of the United States and even further south into Mexico.

In the central United States, some waxwing populations remain in their habitat year-round if they have sufficient access to fresh berries during the winter.

Other birds may migrate some years but not others, or there may be “invasion” years in which large numbers of migrating birds suddenly appear in places they have never seen before and then leave for a short period of time.

To learn more about the migration patterns of this unique bird, read on as we explore when cedar waxwings migrate, where they migrate, and whether they return to the same wintering grounds year after year.

Northern cedar waxwing populations migrate to warmer regions of the U.S. during winter

Do Cedar Waxwings Migrate?

Cedar Waxwings are classified as migratory birds, although certain populations that breed in the north-central United States stay within their territories year-round and do not fly south in winter.

Waxwings that breed in the southern regions of Canada typically do not overwinter where they raise their young, but leave around September to seek out areas with fruit trees to forage through the winter.

When Do Cedar Waxwings Migrate?

Once the breeding season is over, flocks of cedar waxwings begin congregating in late August.

Migration begins in September, with large flocks of cedar waxwings flying south to warmer regions for the winter, returning to their breeding grounds across the northern United States and Canada beginning in April.

Certain Cedar Waxwing populations are year-round residents – this is more common in the north central US states

Why did the Cedar Waxwings migrate?

The cedar waxwing’s breeding grounds are located in northern North America, Canada, and the northernmost states of the United States.

These sites provide an ideal environment in which to raise young and forage during the summer months when their diet is largely insect and invertebrate based.

During the winter, the diet of cedar waxwings changes to consist mainly of fleshy fruits, and their winter migrations depend largely on the availability of berries. Cold weather limits their regular supply of insects and grubs, prompting thousands of waxwings to head south until spring.

How far do cedar waxwings migrate?

The overall migration may cover a total distance of 1,400 to 2,000 kilometers (870 to 1,250 miles), but the journey is intermittent with regular breaks, and the southernmost tip may not be reached until February.

Waxwings are not believed to have fixed migratory routes or any loyalty to wintering grounds. Instead, the species is occasionally recorded as part of “invasion” events, in which large numbers of migratory birds arrive suddenly or dramatically in areas where the species is not common.

A typical migratory trip is one that takes place throughout the winter, moving rapidly from one area to another as soon as they come across any mature berry trees.

Cedar Waxwings can fly impressive distances of up to 2,000 kilometers (1,250 miles) during migration

Where Do Cedar Waxwings Migrate?

Waxwings that live across Canada migrate to the southern regions of North America, and many eastern birds spend the winter in the southeastern United States. Some birds may have migrated south to Mexico and deep into Central America, flocking as far as Costa Rica and Panama.

Considerable numbers of cedar waxwings from the northern part of the species’ range may colonize Florida and the Gulf Coast.

How long does it take for cedar waxwings to migrate?

Northern waxwings have been recorded leaving their summer breeding grounds in late August or September. Waxwing has a top speed of 40 km/h (25 mph) and a range of more than a thousand miles.

Migration is unhurried, and if a suitable berry-laden tree catches their attention, waxwings will take their time to end their journey. Some may not reach their final destination in Florida or deeper into Central America until February, meaning it could take up to six months in total.

Cedar Waxwing Perched On A Juniper Bush

Do Cedar Waxwings Migrate in Flocks?

Starting in August, cedar waxwings gather in flocks and then start migrating to their wintering grounds. Flocks usually average 30 to 100 birds, but congregations of as many as 1000 birds have been observed.

Do All Cedar Waxwings Migrate?

Not all cedar waxwings are migratory, and those from populations in southern parts of the species’ range usually remain in the same areas where they breed year-round. It’s not set in stone either. Some years there may be an influx of migrating waxwings, while in other years there aren’t any.

Cedar Waxwing in autumn maple leaves

From which states did the Cedar Waxwings migrate?

Southern Canada attracts waxwings to nest every spring, and British Columbia in the Yukon Territory has recorded breeding activity. Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec.

These temporary visitors are preparing to leave Canada starting in August and returning between April and June. In the northern United States, some migration may have occurred in states at more southern latitudes.

Where do cedar waxwings go in winter?

Once waxwings have successfully raised their young, they gather in large loose flocks ahead of their winter migration. Moving generally southward, the first migrations tend to begin in early autumn, starting in September.

Waxwing migration is an intricate affair, with the birds making multiple stops en route to their final destination, stockpiling fresh fruit and berries wherever they find them.

A flock of cedar waxwings is landing

Where do cedar waxwings go in summer?

Waxwings raise their young in their breeding grounds during the summer months. They begin to arrive in late April and the earliest eggs are usually laid in May-June. The peak breeding season coincides with the time of year when the forests they inhabit are populated by insects.

Do Cedar Waxwings fly non-stop?

Cedar waxwings migrate at a more leisurely pace than flying from point A to point B at the start of winter. Waxwings will periodically interrupt their journey to take advantage of any berry trees as they pass through an area, and move on as soon as they run out of supplies, sometimes even hours after they arrive.

Close up of a cedar waxwing perched on a rock

Do Cedar Waxwings Migrate at Night?

While cedar waxwings typically migrate during the day, it is believed that waxwings do migrate at night as well.

Waxwings can often be spotted during the day at stopovers along migratory routes, stripping fruit trees of their berries before heading to their next rest stop.