Cedar Waxwings in Yukon
When cedar waxwings are present in Yukon, when they nest, which native Yukon plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 0a–1b yard.
- Status in Yukon
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- July–August
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 0a–1b
When to expect cedar waxwings in Yukon
Cedar Waxwings are summer residents in Yukon, 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 continental with mountains, boreal forest and Arctic tundra in the north.
Nesting in Yukon
Across Yukon, 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.
Short summers with nearly 24-hour daylight.
- 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 Yukon plants that attract cedar waxwings
Of the regional native plants we track for Yukon, 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 Yukon 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 Yukon'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 Yukon year-round?
No. Cedar Waxwings are summer breeders in Yukon and leave for the winter.
When do cedar waxwings nest in Yukon?
Nesting in Yukon 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 Yukon?
Pin cherry, Chokecherry, Red-osier dogwood, Highbush cranberry, Western serviceberry, Bearberry, Crowberry are native plants in Yukon that provide food or cover for cedar waxwings.
Cedar Waxwings in other regions
Other backyard birds in Yukon
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 — Yukon
- 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.