Cedar Waxwings in Kansas
When cedar waxwings are present in Kansas, when they nest, which native Kansas plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 5b–7a yard.
- Status in Kansas
- Winter visitor
- Nesting window
- Does not typically nest here
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5b–7a
When to expect cedar waxwings in Kansas
In Kansas, cedar waxwings are winter visitors rather than breeders. Cold, dry winters with strong wind; windbreaks and evergreens are prime roost cover. While here they rely on juniper, holly and crabapple.
Continental — humid tallgrass Flint Hills in the east to semi-arid shortgrass prairie in the west.
Native Kansas plants that attract cedar waxwings
Of the regional native plants we track for Kansas, these 8 provide food or cover cedar waxwings use:
Fat-rich red fall fruit taken by thrushes, bluebirds and woodpeckers.
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter.
Early-summer berries arrive exactly when nestlings are being fed.
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.
Lipid-rich red fruit fuels fall migrants.
Blue fruit on red stems in early fall.
Feeding cedar waxwings through the Kansas 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 Kansas's winter: Cold, dry winters with strong wind; windbreaks and evergreens are prime roost cover.
Full diet breakdown for cedar waxwings · Best feeder for cedar waxwings
Frequently asked
Are cedar waxwings in Kansas year-round?
No. Cedar Waxwings are winter visitors in Kansas and do not typically nest there.
What native plants attract cedar waxwings in Kansas?
Flowering dogwood, Eastern red cedar, Serviceberry, Smooth sumac, Black cherry, American elderberry, Spicebush, Virginia creeper are native plants in Kansas that provide food or cover for cedar waxwings.
Cedar Waxwings in other regions
Other backyard birds in Kansas
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 — Kansas
- 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.