Cedar Waxwings in Northwest Territories
When cedar waxwings are present in Northwest Territories, when they nest, which native Northwest Territories plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 0a–1a yard.
- Status in Northwest Territories
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- July–August
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 0a–1a
When to expect cedar waxwings in Northwest Territories
Cedar Waxwings are summer residents in Northwest Territories, 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.
Subarctic boreal forest in the south, Arctic tundra in the north.
Nesting in Northwest Territories
Across Northwest Territories, 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.
Brief summers with midnight sun.
- Cedar Waxwings don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as pin cherry, chokecherry, red-osier dogwood for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after August.
Native Northwest Territories plants that attract cedar waxwings
Of the regional native plants we track for Northwest Territories, these 7 provide food or cover cedar waxwings use:
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.
Saskatoon berries ripen in early summer.
Low evergreen with winter-persistent red fruit.
Arctic berry that survives under snow into spring.
Feeding cedar waxwings through the Northwest Territories 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 Northwest Territories'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 Northwest Territories year-round?
No. Cedar Waxwings are summer breeders in Northwest Territories and leave for the winter.
When do cedar waxwings nest in Northwest Territories?
Nesting in Northwest Territories 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 Northwest Territories?
Pin cherry, Chokecherry, Red-osier dogwood, Highbush cranberry, Western serviceberry, Bearberry, Crowberry are native plants in Northwest Territories that provide food or cover for cedar waxwings.
Cedar Waxwings in other regions
Other backyard birds in Northwest Territories
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 — Northwest Territories
- 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.