Cedar Waxwings in South Carolina
When cedar waxwings are present in South Carolina, when they nest, which native South Carolina plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 7a–9a yard.
- Status in South Carolina
- Winter visitor
- Nesting window
- Does not typically nest here
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 7a–9a
When to expect cedar waxwings in South Carolina
In South Carolina, cedar waxwings are winter visitors rather than breeders. Mild winters; Lowcountry backyards host Painted Buntings in summer and many sparrows in winter. While here they rely on juniper, holly and crabapple.
Humid subtropical, from the Blue Ridge foothills to the Lowcountry marshes.
Native South Carolina plants that attract cedar waxwings
Of the regional native plants we track for South Carolina, these 8 provide food or cover cedar waxwings use:
Fat-rich red fall fruit taken by thrushes, bluebirds and woodpeckers.
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.
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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina's winter: Mild winters; Lowcountry backyards host Painted Buntings in summer and many sparrows in winter.
Full diet breakdown for cedar waxwings · Best feeder for cedar waxwings
Frequently asked
Are cedar waxwings in South Carolina year-round?
No. Cedar Waxwings are winter visitors in South Carolina and do not typically nest there.
What native plants attract cedar waxwings in South Carolina?
Flowering dogwood, Eastern red cedar, Serviceberry, Winterberry, Smooth sumac, Black cherry, American elderberry, Arrowwood viburnum are native plants in South Carolina that provide food or cover for cedar waxwings.
Cedar Waxwings in other regions
Other backyard birds in South Carolina
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 — South Carolina
- 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.