Watercolor portrait of Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)

Cedar Waxwing

Bombycilla cedrorum
Nomadic and non-territorial Favors semi-open habitats rich in berry-… Common Resident Song

Learn to identify the Cedar Waxwing by ear. Master the "sreee (thin whistle)" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“sreee (thin whistle)”

What the Cedar Waxwing sounds like

A medium-sized songbird (about 6–7 inches long) with a glossy, satin-like appearance. Cedar Waxwings are brownish on the head and chest, gray on the wings, and yellow on the belly, accented by a bold black eye-mask and a pointed crest. They get their name from the red, wax-like tips on their secondary wing feathers. Highly social, they almost always travel in flocks and are nomadic, often appearing suddenly in an area with ripe fruit.

“sreee (thin whistle)”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:Cedar Waxwings have no complex song; their "song" is basically a high, thin, lisping whistle or trill. They often give a sustained soft whistle “sreeeeee” or a high "tsee" that serves in place of a song. Often written as “sreee (thin whistle)”.
Don't confuse with:The Bohemian Waxwing — bohemian waxwing is larger and grayer, with rufous (rusty-brown) undertail coverts instead of white.

Where you'll hear it

Favors semi-open habitats rich in berry-producing vegetation. Common in deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forests along streams, forest edges, and overgrown fields. They also thrive in towns and suburbs where ornamental berry trees are planted. In winter, large flocks congregate anywhere berries are abundant – from woodland thickets to city parks.

Nesting is often delayed until late summer (June-July) to coincide with peak berry availability for feeding young. Pairs build nests and raise young in mid to late summer. Outside of the breeding period, waxwings form large flocks that rove continually, feeding and relocating as local berry crops are exhausted. In winter, they are nomadic and can irrupt to unusual areas if food is scarce, calling constantly as they fly between fruiting trees.

Similar species

Bohemian Waxwing

Bohemian Waxwing is larger and grayer, with rufous (rusty-brown) undertail coverts instead of white.

Northern Cardinal (female)

Female cardinals are also brown with crests, but are larger with a very thick reddish-orange bill (waxwings have a slim black bill).

Cedar Waxwing song FAQ

What does a Cedar Waxwing sound like?
Cedar Waxwings have no complex song; their "song" is basically a high, thin, lisping whistle or trill. They often give a sustained soft whistle “sreeeeee” or a high "tsee" that serves in place of a song. Listen for the "sreee (thin whistle)" phrase.
How do I tell a Cedar Waxwing from a Bohemian Waxwing by sound?
Bohemian Waxwing: Bohemian Waxwing is larger and grayer, with rufous (rusty-brown) undertail coverts instead of white.; Bohemians have bold white and yellow markings on the wing (and more extensive red tips) that Cedar Waxwings lack. Also, Bohemian Waxwings have a grayer belly versus the Cedar’s brownish-yellow belly..
When is the best time to hear a Cedar Waxwing?
Nesting is often delayed until late summer (June-July) to coincide with peak berry availability for feeding young. Pairs build nests and raise young in mid to late summer. Outside of the breeding period, waxwings form large flocks that rove continually, feeding and relocating as local berry crops are exhausted. In winter, they are nomadic and can irrupt to unusual areas if food is scarce, calling constantly as they fly between fruiting trees.