Cedar Waxwings in New Brunswick
When cedar waxwings are present in New Brunswick, when they nest, which native New Brunswick plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 3a–5b yard.
- Status in New Brunswick
- Year-round resident
- Nesting window
- July–August
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 3a–5b
When to expect cedar waxwings in New Brunswick
Cedar Waxwings live in New Brunswick all year. Cold, snowy winters. That makes the cold months the time your yard matters most to them: their winter diet shifts toward juniper, holly and crabapple.
Humid continental with Bay of Fundy and Gulf of St. Lawrence coastlines and extensive forest.
Nesting in New Brunswick
Across New Brunswick, 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.
Mild summers.
- Cedar Waxwings don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as serviceberry, winterberry, staghorn sumac for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after August.
Native New Brunswick plants that attract cedar waxwings
Of the regional native plants we track for New Brunswick, these 8 provide food or cover cedar waxwings use:
Early-summer berries arrive exactly when nestlings are being fed.
Deciduous holly holding red fruit into mid-winter.
Fruit clusters persist all winter as emergency food.
Summer fruit and one of the top caterpillar host trees.
Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.
Blue-black fall fruit and dense nesting cover.
Blue fruit on red stems in early fall.
Fast-growing northern cherry with midsummer fruit.
Feeding cedar waxwings through the New Brunswick 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 New Brunswick's winter: Cold, snowy winters.
Full diet breakdown for cedar waxwings · Best feeder for cedar waxwings
Frequently asked
Are cedar waxwings in New Brunswick year-round?
Yes. Cedar Waxwings are year-round residents in New Brunswick.
When do cedar waxwings nest in New Brunswick?
Nesting in New Brunswick 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 New Brunswick?
Serviceberry, Winterberry, Staghorn sumac, Black cherry, American elderberry, Arrowwood viburnum, Virginia creeper, Pin cherry are native plants in New Brunswick that provide food or cover for cedar waxwings.
Cedar Waxwings in other regions
Other backyard birds in New Brunswick
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 — New Brunswick
- 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.