Cedar Waxwings in New Hampshire
When cedar waxwings are present in New Hampshire, when they nest, which native New Hampshire plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3b–6a yard.
- Status in New Hampshire
- Year-round resident
- Nesting window
- July–August
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3b–6a
When to expect cedar waxwings in New Hampshire
Cedar Waxwings live in New Hampshire all year. Long, snowy winters; boreal species visit feeders in irruption years. 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 the White Mountains dividing the southern lowlands from northern forest.
Nesting in New Hampshire
Across New Hampshire, 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; nesting starts late May.
- Cedar Waxwings don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as eastern red cedar, serviceberry, winterberry for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after August.
Native New Hampshire plants that attract cedar waxwings
Of the regional native plants we track for New Hampshire, these 8 provide food or cover cedar waxwings use:
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter.
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.
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.
Blue-black fall fruit and dense nesting cover.
Feeding cedar waxwings through the New Hampshire 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 Hampshire's winter: Long, snowy winters; boreal species visit feeders in irruption years.
Full diet breakdown for cedar waxwings · Best feeder for cedar waxwings
Frequently asked
Are cedar waxwings in New Hampshire year-round?
Yes. Cedar Waxwings are year-round residents in New Hampshire.
When do cedar waxwings nest in New Hampshire?
Nesting in New Hampshire 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 Hampshire?
Eastern red cedar, Serviceberry, Winterberry, Staghorn sumac, Smooth sumac, Black cherry, American elderberry, Arrowwood viburnum are native plants in New Hampshire that provide food or cover for cedar waxwings.
Cedar Waxwings in other regions
Other backyard birds in New Hampshire
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 Hampshire
- 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.