Bohemian Waxwings in Montana
When bohemian waxwings are present in Montana, when they nest, which native Montana plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3a–6a yard.
- Status in Montana
- Winter visitor
- Nesting window
- Does not typically nest here
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3a–6a
When to expect bohemian waxwings in Montana
In Montana, bohemian waxwings are winter visitors rather than breeders. Very cold winters on the plains, with chinook winds bringing sudden thaws.
Continental — Rocky Mountain forest in the west, semi-arid Great Plains in the east.
Native Montana plants that attract bohemian waxwings
Of the regional native plants we track for Montana, these 8 provide food or cover bohemian waxwings use:
Red fruit heads hang on through winter.
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.
Sweet dry fruit on the branch all winter.
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 Montana year
- Top foods: Raisins, Chopped apple.
- In Montana's winter: Very cold winters on the plains, with chinook winds bringing sudden thaws.
Full diet breakdown for bohemian waxwings · Best feeder for bohemian waxwings
Frequently asked
Are bohemian waxwings in Montana year-round?
No. Bohemian Waxwings are winter visitors in Montana and do not typically nest there.
What native plants attract bohemian waxwings in Montana?
Smooth sumac, Chokecherry, Red-osier dogwood, Highbush cranberry, Common hackberry, Rocky Mountain juniper, Golden currant, Western serviceberry are native plants in Montana that provide food or cover for bohemian waxwings.
Bohemian Waxwings in other regions
Other backyard birds in Montana
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 — Montana
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- 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.