Nova Scotia · Winter visitor

Bohemian Waxwings in Nova Scotia

When bohemian waxwings are present in Nova Scotia, when they nest, which native Nova Scotia plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canadian zones 5a–7a yard.

Waxwings (Bombycillidae)Bohemian WaxwingBombycilla garrulus

Status in Nova Scotia: Winter visitor
Nesting window: Does not typically nest here
Hardiness zones: Canadian zones 5a–7a (roughly USDA 4–6 equivalent)

When to expect bohemian waxwings in Nova Scotia

In Nova Scotia, bohemian waxwings are winter visitors rather than breeders. Damp cold and wind chill; sheltered feeding stations and suet help small birds through storms.

Maritime — cool summers, snowy but ocean-moderated winters, fog and wind along the coast.

Native Nova Scotia plants that attract bohemian waxwings

Of the regional native plants we track for Nova Scotia, these 8 provide food or cover bohemian waxwings use:

Red-osier dogwood

Cornus sericea · Shrub

Fruit and cover.

Highbush cranberry

Viburnum trilobum · Shrub

Winter-persistent red fruit.

Northern bayberry

Morella pensylvanica · Shrub

Waxy winter berries.

Serviceberry

Amelanchier arborea · Tree

Early-summer berries arrive exactly when nestlings are being fed.

Winterberry

Ilex verticillata · Shrub

Deciduous holly holding red fruit into mid-winter.

Staghorn sumac

Rhus typhina · Shrub

Fruit clusters persist all winter as emergency food.

Black cherry

Prunus serotina · Tree

Summer fruit and one of the top caterpillar host trees.

American elderberry

Sambucus canadensis · Shrub

Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.

Feeding bohemian waxwings through the Nova Scotia year

Top foods: Raisins, Chopped apple.
In Nova Scotia's winter: Damp cold and wind chill; sheltered feeding stations and suet help small birds through storms.

Full diet breakdown for bohemian waxwings · Best feeder for bohemian waxwings

Frequently asked

Are bohemian waxwings in Nova Scotia year-round?

No. Bohemian Waxwings are winter visitors in Nova Scotia and do not typically nest there.

What native plants attract bohemian waxwings in Nova Scotia?

Red-osier dogwood, Highbush cranberry, Northern bayberry, Serviceberry, Winterberry, Staghorn sumac, Black cherry, American elderberry are native plants in Nova Scotia that provide food or cover for bohemian waxwings.

Other backyard birds in Nova Scotia

Northern Cardinal Eastern Bluebird Black-capped Chickadee Purple Martin Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker American Goldfinch White-breasted Nuthatch House Wren Blue Jay House Finch Purple Finch Ruby-throated Hummingbird Mourning Dove American Robin Dark-eyed Junco White-throated Sparrow Song Sparrow Chipping Sparrow Northern Flicker Pileated Woodpecker Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown Creeper Common Grackle Red-winged Blackbird Baltimore Oriole Rose-breasted Grosbeak Evening Grosbeak Pine Siskin Common Redpoll Gray Catbird Cedar Waxwing Tree Swallow Barn Swallow Eastern Phoebe Chimney Swift Yellow-rumped Warbler Eastern Kingbird American Tree Sparrow House Sparrow European Starling Canada Jay American Crow Common Raven Cooper's Hawk Sharp-shinned Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Barred Owl Great Horned Owl American Kestrel Mallard Great Blue Heron Belted Kingfisher Scarlet Tanager Brown-headed Cowbird Ruby-crowned Kinglet Golden-crowned Kinglet Hermit Thrush Winter Wren Pine Grosbeak Red Crossbill Gray Catbird Yellow Warbler Common Yellowthroat American Redstart Black-and-white Warbler Ovenbird Orange-crowned Warbler Palm Warbler Red-eyed Vireo Warbling Vireo Eastern Wood-Pewee Least Flycatcher Cliff Swallow Bank Swallow Common Nighthawk Eastern Whip-poor-will Canada Goose American Coot Killdeer Spotted Sandpiper American Woodcock Green Heron Turkey Vulture Osprey Bald Eagle Red-shouldered Hawk Merlin Peregrine Falcon Northern Saw-whet Owl Black-backed Woodpecker American Three-toed Woodpecker Savannah Sparrow Swamp Sparrow Vesper Sparrow Snow Bunting Horned Lark Common Redpoll Hoary Redpoll White-winged Crossbill Bobolink Rusty Blackbird Rock Pigeon

Sources

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.