Cedar Waxwing Identification

The Four Keys to ID

• Size & Shape

  The Cedar Waxwing is a medium-sized, sleek bird with a large head, short neck, and short, wide bill. Waxwings have a crest that often lies flat and droops over the back of the head. The wings are broad and pointed, like a starling’s. The tail is fairly short and square-tipped.

  Relative Size

  Slightly smaller than a Bohemian Waxwing

  between sparrow and robin

  Measurements

  • Both Sexes
  • • Length: 5.5-6.7 in (14-17 cm)
    • Weight: 1.1 oz (32 g)
    • Wingspan: 8.7-11.8 in (22-30 cm)

  © Evan Lipton / Macaulay Library

• Color Pattern

  Cedar Waxwings are pale brown on the head and chest fading to soft gray on the wings. The belly is pale yellow, and the tail is gray with a bright yellow tip. The face has a narrow black mask neatly outlined in white. The red waxy tips to the wing feathers are not always easy to see.

• Behavior

  Cedar Waxwings are social birds that you’re likely to see in flocks year-round. They sit in fruiting trees swallowing berries whole, or pluck them in mid-air with a brief fluttering hover. They also course over water for insects, flying like tubby, slightly clumsy swallows.
• Habitat

  Look for Cedar Waxwings in woodlands of all kinds, and at farms, orchards, and suburban gardens where there are fruiting trees or shrubs.