Cedar Waxwings in Arizona
When cedar waxwings are present in Arizona, when they nest, which native Arizona plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 4b–10b yard.
- Status in Arizona
- Winter visitor
- Nesting window
- Does not typically nest here
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4b–10b
When to expect cedar waxwings in Arizona
In Arizona, cedar waxwings are winter visitors rather than breeders. Low deserts stay mild and host many wintering sparrows and hummingbirds; the high country gets snow. While here they rely on juniper, holly and crabapple.
Hot Sonoran and Mojave deserts in the south and west, with pine-oak sky islands and the Colorado Plateau rising above 7,000 ft.
Native Arizona plants that attract cedar waxwings
Of the regional native plants we track for Arizona, these 8 provide food or cover cedar waxwings use:
Red fruit heads hang on through winter.
Summer fruit and one of the top caterpillar host trees.
Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.
Blue fruit on red stems in early fall.
Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.
White fruit and red winter stems; good thicket cover.
Berry-like cones feed bluebirds, solitaires and waxwings in winter.
Early yellow flowers for hummingbirds, then summer fruit.
Feeding cedar waxwings through the Arizona 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 Arizona's winter: Low deserts stay mild and host many wintering sparrows and hummingbirds; the high country gets snow.
Full diet breakdown for cedar waxwings · Best feeder for cedar waxwings
Frequently asked
Are cedar waxwings in Arizona year-round?
No. Cedar Waxwings are winter visitors in Arizona and do not typically nest there.
What native plants attract cedar waxwings in Arizona?
Smooth sumac, Black cherry, American elderberry, Virginia creeper, Chokecherry, Red-osier dogwood, Rocky Mountain juniper, Golden currant are native plants in Arizona that provide food or cover for cedar waxwings.
Cedar Waxwings in other regions
Other backyard birds in Arizona
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 — Arizona
- 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.