Cedar Waxwings in California
When cedar waxwings are present in California, when they nest, which native California plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 5a–11a yard.
- Status in California
- Winter visitor
- Nesting window
- Does not typically nest here
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5a–11a
When to expect cedar waxwings in California
In California, cedar waxwings are winter visitors rather than breeders. Wet, mild winters are the green season — the busiest time at coastal feeders as sparrows and hummingbirds settle in. While here they rely on juniper, holly and crabapple.
Mediterranean along the coast and Central Valley, alpine in the Sierra Nevada, and desert in the southeast.
Native California plants that attract cedar waxwings
Of the regional native plants we track for California, these 8 provide food or cover cedar 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.
Early yellow flowers for hummingbirds, then summer fruit.
Saskatoon berries ripen in early summer.
Tart red fruit that persists into winter.
Fruit and seed plus nest sites for Cactus Wrens.
Night blooms and summer fruit; Gila Woodpecker nest cavities.
Feeding cedar waxwings through the California 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 California's winter: Wet, mild winters are the green season — the busiest time at coastal feeders as sparrows and hummingbirds settle in.
Full diet breakdown for cedar waxwings · Best feeder for cedar waxwings
Frequently asked
Are cedar waxwings in California year-round?
No. Cedar Waxwings are winter visitors in California and do not typically nest there.
What native plants attract cedar waxwings in California?
Smooth sumac, Chokecherry, Red-osier dogwood, Golden currant, Western serviceberry, Buffaloberry, Prickly pear, Saguaro are native plants in California that provide food or cover for cedar waxwings.
Cedar Waxwings in other regions
Other backyard birds in California
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 — California
- 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.