Cedar Waxwings in Saskatchewan
When cedar waxwings are present in Saskatchewan, when they nest, which native Saskatchewan plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 1a–3b yard.
- Status in Saskatchewan
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- July–August
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 1a–3b
When to expect cedar waxwings in Saskatchewan
Cedar Waxwings are summer residents in Saskatchewan, 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.
Continental — prairie in the south, boreal forest in the north.
Nesting in Saskatchewan
Across Saskatchewan, 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.
Warm, sunny summers.
- Cedar Waxwings don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as smooth sumac, pin cherry, chokecherry for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after August.
Native Saskatchewan plants that attract cedar waxwings
Of the regional native plants we track for Saskatchewan, these 8 provide food or cover cedar waxwings use:
Red fruit heads hang on through winter.
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.
Early yellow flowers for hummingbirds, then summer fruit.
Saskatoon berries ripen in early summer.
Tart red fruit that persists into winter.
Feeding cedar waxwings through the Saskatchewan 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 Saskatchewan'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 Saskatchewan year-round?
No. Cedar Waxwings are summer breeders in Saskatchewan and leave for the winter.
When do cedar waxwings nest in Saskatchewan?
Nesting in Saskatchewan 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 Saskatchewan?
Smooth sumac, Pin cherry, Chokecherry, Red-osier dogwood, Highbush cranberry, Golden currant, Western serviceberry, Buffaloberry are native plants in Saskatchewan that provide food or cover for cedar waxwings.
Cedar Waxwings in other regions
Other backyard birds in Saskatchewan
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 — Saskatchewan
- 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.