Cedar Waxwings in Manitoba
When cedar waxwings are present in Manitoba, when they nest, which native Manitoba plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 1a–3b yard.
- Status in Manitoba
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- July–August
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 1a–3b
When to expect cedar waxwings in Manitoba
Cedar Waxwings are summer residents in Manitoba, 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.
Continental, from prairie in the southwest to boreal forest and Hudson Bay tundra in the north.
Nesting in Manitoba
Across Manitoba, 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.
Warm summers with a short, intense nesting season.
- Cedar Waxwings don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as smooth sumac, american elderberry, virginia creeper for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after August.
Native Manitoba plants that attract cedar waxwings
Of the regional native plants we track for Manitoba, these 8 provide food or cover cedar waxwings use:
Red fruit heads hang on through winter.
Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.
Blue fruit on red stems in early fall.
Fast-growing northern cherry with midsummer fruit.
Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.
White fruit and red winter stems; good thicket cover.
Red fruit persists until late winter when other food is gone.
Sweet dry fruit on the branch all winter.
Feeding cedar waxwings through the Manitoba 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 Manitoba'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 Manitoba year-round?
No. Cedar Waxwings are summer breeders in Manitoba and leave for the winter.
When do cedar waxwings nest in Manitoba?
Nesting in Manitoba 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 Manitoba?
Smooth sumac, American elderberry, Virginia creeper, Pin cherry, Chokecherry, Red-osier dogwood, Highbush cranberry, Common hackberry are native plants in Manitoba that provide food or cover for cedar waxwings.
Cedar Waxwings in other regions
Other backyard birds in Manitoba
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 — Manitoba
- Plant Hardiness Zones of Canada — Natural Resources Canada
- 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.