Waxwings in Netherlands
When the Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus) is present in Netherlands, when it nests, and which native Netherlands plants supply the food it depends on.
- Status in Netherlands
- Winter visitor
- Nesting season
- Does not breed here
- Size
- 18 cm, 55 g
When to expect waxwings in Netherlands
The Waxwing reaches Netherlands for the winter from breeding grounds further north and east. Mild, wet winters; hard frosts bring large movements of thrushes and finches.
Temperate maritime, flat and low-lying, with wind off the North Sea.
Native Netherlands plants for waxwings
Of the native plants we track for Netherlands, 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 Netherlands all year?
No. The Waxwing is a winter visitor to Netherlands and breeds further north or east.
Which native plants help waxwings in Netherlands?
Hawthorn, Rowan, Holly, Ivy, Elder, Blackthorn, Dog rose, Guelder rose are native to Netherlands and provide food or cover the Waxwing uses.
Waxwings in other countries
Other garden birds in Netherlands
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.