Cedar Waxwings in New Mexico
When cedar waxwings are present in New Mexico, when they nest, which native New Mexico plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 4b–9a yard.
- Status in New Mexico
- Winter visitor
- Nesting window
- Does not typically nest here
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4b–9a
When to expect cedar waxwings in New Mexico
In New Mexico, cedar waxwings are winter visitors rather than breeders. Cold nights and sunny days; many desert and mountain birds move to lower elevations. While here they rely on juniper, holly and crabapple.
Arid to semi-arid, with Chihuahuan desert in the south and mountain forest above 7,000 ft.
Native New Mexico plants that attract cedar waxwings
Of the regional native plants we track for New Mexico, these 8 provide food or cover cedar waxwings use:
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 fruit on red stems in early fall.
Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.
White fruit and red winter stems; good thicket cover.
Berry-like cones feed bluebirds, solitaires and waxwings in winter.
Early yellow flowers for hummingbirds, then summer fruit.
Feeding cedar waxwings through the New Mexico 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 Mexico's winter: Cold nights and sunny days; many desert and mountain birds move to lower elevations.
Full diet breakdown for cedar waxwings · Best feeder for cedar waxwings
Frequently asked
Are cedar waxwings in New Mexico year-round?
No. Cedar Waxwings are winter visitors in New Mexico and do not typically nest there.
What native plants attract cedar waxwings in New Mexico?
Smooth sumac, Black cherry, American elderberry, Virginia creeper, Chokecherry, Red-osier dogwood, Rocky Mountain juniper, Golden currant are native plants in New Mexico that provide food or cover for cedar waxwings.
Cedar Waxwings in other regions
Other backyard birds in New Mexico
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 Mexico
- 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.