Bohemian Waxwings in Washington
When bohemian waxwings are present in Washington, when they nest, which native Washington plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 4a–9a yard.
- Status in Washington
- Winter visitor
- Nesting window
- Does not typically nest here
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4a–9a
When to expect bohemian waxwings in Washington
In Washington, bohemian waxwings are winter visitors rather than breeders. Mild, wet winters on the Puget Sound; cold winters in the east.
Marine west-coast climate west of the Cascades, semi-arid shrub-steppe to the east.
Native Washington plants that attract bohemian waxwings
Of the regional native plants we track for Washington, 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.
Berry-like cones feed bluebirds, solitaires and waxwings in winter.
Early yellow flowers for hummingbirds, then summer fruit.
Saskatoon berries ripen in early summer.
Early spring blooms fuel returning Rufous Hummingbirds.
Feeding bohemian waxwings through the Washington year
- Top foods: Raisins, Chopped apple.
- In Washington's winter: Mild, wet winters on the Puget Sound; cold winters in the east.
Full diet breakdown for bohemian waxwings · Best feeder for bohemian waxwings
Frequently asked
Are bohemian waxwings in Washington year-round?
No. Bohemian Waxwings are winter visitors in Washington and do not typically nest there.
What native plants attract bohemian waxwings in Washington?
Smooth sumac, Chokecherry, Red-osier dogwood, Highbush cranberry, Rocky Mountain juniper, Golden currant, Western serviceberry, Red-flowering currant are native plants in Washington that provide food or cover for bohemian waxwings.
Bohemian Waxwings in other regions
Other backyard birds in Washington
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 — Washington
- 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.