Poland · Winter visitor

Waxwings in Poland

When the Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus) is present in Poland, when it nests, and which native Poland plants supply the food it depends on.

Status in Poland
Winter visitor
Nesting season
Does not breed here
Size
18 cm, 55 g

When to expect waxwings in Poland

The Waxwing reaches Poland for the winter from breeding grounds further north and east. Cold, snowy winters; large numbers of northern finches and thrushes move through.

Temperate continental, colder towards the east.

Native Poland plants for waxwings

Of the native plants we track for Poland, these 8 provide food the Waxwing uses:

Hawthorn
Crataegus monogyna · Shrub

Haws feed thrushes all winter; spring blossom supports hundreds of insect species.

Rowan
Sorbus aucuparia · Tree

Orange-red berries are a magnet for Blackbirds, thrushes and Waxwings from August.

Ivy
Hedera helix · Climber

Late-winter berries when little else is left, plus dense nesting cover.

Elder
Sambucus nigra · Shrub

Late-summer berries taken by Blackcaps and thrushes.

Blackthorn
Prunus spinosa · Shrub

Thorny cover that protects nests; early blossom for insects.

Dog rose
Rosa canina · Shrub

Hips persist into winter for thrushes and finches.

Guelder rose
Viburnum opulus · Shrub

Translucent red berries in autumn.

Spindle
Euonymus europaeus · Shrub

Pink-orange fruit eaten by Robins and thrushes.

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 Poland all year?

No. The Waxwing is a winter visitor to Poland and breeds further north or east.

Which native plants help waxwings in Poland?

Hawthorn, Rowan, Ivy, Elder, Blackthorn, Dog rose, Guelder rose, Spindle are native to Poland and provide food or cover the Waxwing uses.

Waxwings in other countries

Other garden birds in Poland

Sources

  1. Waxwing — RSPB bird guide
  2. Waxwing — BTO BirdFacts
  3. Atlas rozmieszczenia ptaków lęgowych Polski — OTOP

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.