Bohemian Waxwings in Alberta
When bohemian waxwings are present in Alberta, when they nest, which native Alberta plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 2a–4b yard.
- Status in Alberta
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- July
- Broods
- 1 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 2a–4b
When to expect bohemian waxwings in Alberta
Bohemian Waxwings are summer residents in Alberta, arriving shortly before nesting begins in July and leaving after the young are independent.
Continental — prairie in the southeast, aspen parkland in the center, boreal forest in the north and the Rockies in the west.
Nesting in Alberta
Across Alberta, bohemian waxwings typically nest from July. Plan around that window: June for setup, July for clean-out.
Warm, sunny summers with long days.
- Bohemian Waxwings don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as smooth sumac, pin cherry, chokecherry for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Alberta plants that attract bohemian waxwings
Of the regional native plants we track for Alberta, these 8 provide food or cover bohemian waxwings use:
Red fruit heads hang on through winter.
Fast-growing northern cherry with midsummer fruit.
Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.
White fruit and red winter stems; good thicket cover.
Red fruit persists until late winter when other food is gone.
Berry-like cones feed bluebirds, solitaires and waxwings in winter.
Early yellow flowers for hummingbirds, then summer fruit.
Saskatoon berries ripen in early summer.
Feeding bohemian waxwings through the Alberta year
- Top foods: Raisins, Chopped apple.
- In Alberta's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Full diet breakdown for bohemian waxwings · Best feeder for bohemian waxwings
Frequently asked
Are bohemian waxwings in Alberta year-round?
No. Bohemian Waxwings are summer breeders in Alberta and leave for the winter.
When do bohemian waxwings nest in Alberta?
Nesting in Alberta typically runs July, with 1 per season. Clutches are 3–7 eggs, incubated for 13–14 days.
What native plants attract bohemian waxwings in Alberta?
Smooth sumac, Pin cherry, Chokecherry, Red-osier dogwood, Highbush cranberry, Rocky Mountain juniper, Golden currant, Western serviceberry are native plants in Alberta that provide food or cover for bohemian waxwings.
Bohemian Waxwings in other regions
Other backyard birds in Alberta
Sources
- Bohemian Waxwing — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Bohemian Waxwing life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Bohemian Waxwing — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Alberta
- Plant Hardiness Zones of Canada — Natural Resources Canada
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.