Bohemian Waxwings in British Columbia
When bohemian waxwings are present in British Columbia, when they nest, which native British Columbia plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 1a–9a yard.
- Status in British Columbia
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- July
- Broods
- 1 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 1a–9a
When to expect bohemian waxwings in British Columbia
Bohemian Waxwings are summer residents in British Columbia, arriving shortly before nesting begins in July and leaving after the young are independent.
Temperate rainforest on the coast, dry interior valleys and mountains, and boreal forest in the northeast.
Nesting in British Columbia
Across British Columbia, bohemian waxwings typically nest from July. Plan around that window: June for setup, July for clean-out.
Dry, warm coastal summers; hot in the Okanagan.
- 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 British Columbia plants that attract bohemian waxwings
Of the regional native plants we track for British Columbia, 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 British Columbia year
- Top foods: Raisins, Chopped apple.
- In British Columbia'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 British Columbia year-round?
No. Bohemian Waxwings are summer breeders in British Columbia and leave for the winter.
When do bohemian waxwings nest in British Columbia?
Nesting in British Columbia typically runs July, with 1 per season. Clutches are 3–7 eggs, incubated for 13–14 days.
What native plants attract bohemian waxwings in British Columbia?
Smooth sumac, Pin cherry, Chokecherry, Red-osier dogwood, Highbush cranberry, Rocky Mountain juniper, Golden currant, Western serviceberry are native plants in British Columbia that provide food or cover for bohemian waxwings.
Bohemian Waxwings in other regions
Other backyard birds in British Columbia
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 — British Columbia
- 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.