Cedar Waxwings in Georgia
When cedar waxwings are present in Georgia, when they nest, which native Georgia plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 7a–9a yard.
- Status in Georgia
- Winter visitor
- Nesting window
- Does not typically nest here
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 7a–9a
When to expect cedar waxwings in Georgia
In Georgia, cedar waxwings are winter visitors rather than breeders. Mild winters bring irregular purple finch and pine-siskin irruptions from the north. While here they rely on juniper, holly and crabapple.
Humid subtropical, with cooler mountains in the north and a warm coastal plain in the south.
Native Georgia plants that attract cedar waxwings
Of the regional native plants we track for Georgia, these 8 provide food or cover cedar waxwings use:
High-fat fall fruit critical before migration and winter.
Winter berry-cones and dense roosting cover.
Fall fruit.
Nectar through spring and summer.
Early-summer berries.
Deciduous holly holding red fruit into mid-winter.
Fruit clusters persist all winter as emergency food.
Red fruit heads hang on through winter.
Feeding cedar waxwings through the Georgia 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 Georgia's winter: Mild winters bring irregular purple finch and pine-siskin irruptions from the north.
Full diet breakdown for cedar waxwings · Best feeder for cedar waxwings
Frequently asked
Are cedar waxwings in Georgia year-round?
No. Cedar Waxwings are winter visitors in Georgia and do not typically nest there.
What native plants attract cedar waxwings in Georgia?
Flowering dogwood, Eastern red cedar, American beautyberry, Coral honeysuckle, Serviceberry, Winterberry, Staghorn sumac, Smooth sumac are native plants in Georgia that provide food or cover for cedar waxwings.
Cedar Waxwings in other regions
Other backyard birds in Georgia
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 — Georgia
- 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.