Waxwings in England
When the Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus) is present in England, when it nests, and which native England plants supply the food it depends on.
- Status in England
- Winter visitor
- Nesting season
- Does not breed here
- Size
- 18 cm, 55 g
- Delivery
- Perch Supply ships to the UK
When to expect waxwings in England
The Waxwing reaches England for the winter from breeding grounds further north and east. Frosts are frequent but prolonged snow is rare in the south; garden feeders carry tits and finches through January and February, and Continental thrushes arrive in hard weather.
Temperate maritime: mild, damp and changeable, drier and sunnier in the south-east than the north-west.
Native England plants for waxwings
Of the native plants we track for England, these 8 provide food the Waxwing uses:
Haws feed thrushes all winter; spring blossom supports hundreds of insect species.
Orange-red berries are a magnet for Blackbirds, thrushes and Waxwings from August.
Evergreen roosting cover and winter berries on female plants.
Late-winter berries when little else is left, plus dense nesting cover.
Late-summer berries taken by Blackcaps and thrushes.
Thorny cover that protects nests; early blossom for insects.
Hips persist into winter for thrushes and finches.
Translucent red berries in autumn.
Feeding in the garden
Berries — rowan, cotoneaster and apples.
- Best foods: Apples.
- Rarely uses feeders.
- Irrupts every few winters; check supermarket car parks with rowans.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked
Are waxwings in England all year?
No. The Waxwing is a winter visitor to England and breeds further north or east.
Which native plants help waxwings in England?
Hawthorn, Rowan, Holly, Ivy, Elder, Blackthorn, Dog rose, Guelder rose are native to England and provide food or cover the Waxwing uses.
Waxwings in other countries
Other garden birds in England
Sources
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.