Cedar Waxwings

Flocks of cedar waxwings have been in and out of my yard for the past few weeks eating berries from the red cedar trees. Waxwings are fruit eaters and benefit from all the ornamental berry trees that have been planted in urban and suburban landscapes.

Down the hatch - berries are eaten whole.

Of course they get their name from hosting off the native red cedar which is actually not a true cedar tree but rather a form of juniper.

They are fun to watch feed with all their acrobatic moves to pick berries.

The “waxwing” part of the name comes from the red tips on the wings of the adults. The red tips are actually a waxy secretion which may help attract mates but the real function of this is not known.

Adult with red wingtips.

Yellow underbelly and tail band.

Flocks of cedar waxwings will call constantly with their high-pitched whistle which often makes it easier to hear them first. They are rather nomadic flying around in their search for food. Never know when or where they will show up and in Minnesota they are here year-round. Fortunately cedar waxwing populations are stable with an estimated breeding population of 64 million.

I always love when musicians include birds in their songs especially when they focus on just one species. I will leave you with a beautiful song featuring this bird!

Yellow Cedar Waxwing - song and lyrics by Brennen Leigh

Mid the lakes of Minnesota when I was just a child
My grandma took me down to pick Juneberries growing wild
She pointed to a tiny yellow bird upon the vine
There I learned this precious lesson that I hold dear in my mind

There's a yellow Cedar Waxwing on the Juneberry bush
In the golden sunlight shining through the trees
God made the birds and flowers, He is everywhere we look
God loves the Cedar Waxwing; all the more He'll care for you and me.

I brought you here, my little buttercup, to do likewise
I'm turning grey but I still recall when I was just your size
I'll lift you up so you can see the Waxwing in the glen
Help me remember someone I hope I'll meet again

There's a yellow Cedar Waxwing on the Juneberry bush
In the golden sunlight shining through the trees
God made the birds and flowers, He is everywhere we look
God loves the Cedar Waxwing; all the more He'll care for you and me