Cedar Waxwings in Alaska
When cedar waxwings are present in Alaska, when they nest, which native Alaska plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 1a–8a yard.
- Status in Alaska
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- July–August
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 1a–8a
When to expect cedar waxwings in Alaska
Cedar Waxwings are summer residents in Alaska, arriving shortly before nesting begins in July and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on serviceberry, cherry and mulberry fruit.
Subarctic interior, temperate rainforest in the Southeast panhandle, and Arctic tundra on the North Slope.
Nesting in Alaska
Across Alaska, cedar waxwings typically nest from July–August. Nest site: loose cup in tree forks, often late June. Females lay 2–6 eggs, incubate for 11–13 days, and young leave the nest after 14–18 days.
A short, explosive summer with near-continuous daylight compresses nesting into a few weeks.
- Cedar Waxwings don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as red-osier dogwood, western serviceberry, salal for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after August.
Native Alaska plants that attract cedar waxwings
Of the regional native plants we track for Alaska, these 6 provide food or cover cedar waxwings use:
White fruit and red winter stems; good thicket cover.
Saskatoon berries ripen in early summer.
Dark berries and evergreen understory cover.
Spring flowers for Rufous Hummingbirds, early fruit for thrushes.
Low evergreen with winter-persistent red fruit.
Arctic berry that survives under snow into spring.
Feeding cedar waxwings through the Alaska year
Waxwings wander in flocks after fruit crops and rarely use feeders — fruiting natives and water are the draw.
- Best foods: Fresh or frozen berries.
- In Alaska's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Full diet breakdown for cedar waxwings · Best feeder for cedar waxwings
Frequently asked
Are cedar waxwings in Alaska year-round?
No. Cedar Waxwings are summer breeders in Alaska and leave for the winter.
When do cedar waxwings nest in Alaska?
Nesting in Alaska typically runs July–August, with 1–2 per season. Clutches are 2–6 eggs, incubated for 11–13 days.
What native plants attract cedar waxwings in Alaska?
Red-osier dogwood, Western serviceberry, Salal, Salmonberry, Bearberry, Crowberry are native plants in Alaska that provide food or cover for cedar waxwings.
Cedar Waxwings in other regions
Other backyard birds in Alaska
Sources
- Cedar Waxwing — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Cedar Waxwing life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Cedar Waxwing — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Alaska
- 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.