Cedar Waxwings in Prince Edward Island
When cedar waxwings are present in Prince Edward Island, when they nest, which native Prince Edward Island plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 4b–5b yard.
- Status in Prince Edward Island
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- July–August
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 4b–5b
When to expect cedar waxwings in Prince Edward Island
Cedar Waxwings are summer residents in Prince Edward Island, 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.
Humid continental moderated by the Gulf of St. Lawrence; mostly farmland and mixed woods.
Nesting in Prince Edward Island
Across Prince Edward Island, 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 winterberry, staghorn sumac, pin cherry for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after August.
Native Prince Edward Island plants that attract cedar waxwings
Of the regional native plants we track for Prince Edward Island, these 8 provide food or cover cedar waxwings use:
Deciduous holly holding red fruit into mid-winter.
Fruit clusters persist all winter as emergency food.
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.
Waxy fruit carries Yellow-rumped Warblers through coastal winters.
Orange berry clusters feed waxwings and robins into winter.
Feeding cedar waxwings through the Prince Edward Island 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 Prince Edward Island'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 Prince Edward Island year-round?
No. Cedar Waxwings are summer breeders in Prince Edward Island and leave for the winter.
When do cedar waxwings nest in Prince Edward Island?
Nesting in Prince Edward Island 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 Prince Edward Island?
Winterberry, Staghorn sumac, Pin cherry, Chokecherry, Red-osier dogwood, Highbush cranberry, Bayberry, Mountain ash are native plants in Prince Edward Island that provide food or cover for cedar waxwings.
Cedar Waxwings in other regions
Other backyard birds in Prince Edward Island
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 — Prince Edward Island
- 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.