Waxwings in Northern Ireland
When the Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus) is present in Northern Ireland, when it nests, and which native Northern Ireland plants supply the food it depends on.
- Status in Northern Ireland
- 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 Northern Ireland
The Waxwing reaches Northern Ireland for the winter from breeding grounds further north and east. Rarely severe; winter thrushes and finches from Scandinavia and Iceland arrive from October.
Mild, wet and windy maritime climate with few temperature extremes.
Native Northern Ireland plants for waxwings
Of the native plants we track for Northern Ireland, 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 Northern Ireland all year?
No. The Waxwing is a winter visitor to Northern Ireland and breeds further north or east.
Which native plants help waxwings in Northern Ireland?
Hawthorn, Rowan, Holly, Ivy, Elder, Blackthorn, Dog rose, Guelder rose are native to Northern Ireland and provide food or cover the Waxwing uses.
Waxwings in other countries
Other garden birds in Northern Ireland
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.