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Are There Cedar Waxwings in Colorado?

Cedar Waxwings are regular migrants and seasonal residents across Colorado, present primarily in lower elevation riparian corridors during spring and fall migration. Winter populations occur in small numbers in the western and southern parts of the state. These distinctive masked birds concentrate along river valleys and in areas with abundant fruiting trees.

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By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 21, 2026.

Cedar Waxwing photographed in Colorado

Cedar Waxwing · Public domain CC0

Cedar Waxwing photographed in Colorado

Cedar Waxwing · Eric Watts CC BY

Cedar Waxwing photographed in Colorado

Cedar Waxwing · Jared Shorma CC BY

Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Found in Colorado
80,927
GBIF records
6
birding hotspots

Yes, cedar waxwings are in Colorado. Next you'll want:

Cedar Waxwings are regular migrants and seasonal residents across Colorado, present primarily in lower elevation riparian corridors during spring and fall migration. Winter populations occur in small numbers in the western and southern parts of the state. These distinctive masked birds concentrate along river valleys and in areas with abundant fruiting trees.

Cedar Waxwing Distribution in Colorado

Cedar Waxwings occur primarily in Colorado's lower elevations and riparian zones. The South Platte River corridor through the Denver metropolitan area and extending eastward onto the plains provides excellent migration habitat. The Arkansas River system through southeastern Colorado, including the area around Pueblo, attracts Cedar Waxwings during migration periods. The North Platte River in northern Colorado supports seasonal populations. Western slope riparian zones, including the Colorado River valley and Gunnison River corridor, see Cedar Waxwings during appropriate seasons. The San Juan Valley in southwestern Colorado hosts small populations during migration and occasional winter residence. Urban and suburban areas throughout Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and Pueblo attract Cedar Waxwings to parks and gardens with appropriate fruiting trees. The Western Slope's fruit-growing regions, including areas around Palisade with orchard industries, concentrate Cedar Waxwings during fall migration. Elevation from the plains at about 3,500 feet to the lower mountain foothills at 7,000 to 8,000 feet sees regular use. Higher elevations in the mountains rarely host Cedar Waxwings except occasionally during spring migration. Seethe Cedar Waxwing guide for Coloradofor more.

Seasonal Timing in Colorado

Cedar Waxwings exhibit clear seasonal patterns in Colorado related to migration cycles and breeding territories. Spring migration occurs primarily from March through May as birds move northward from southwestern wintering grounds. Summer sees limited Cedar Waxwing presence in Colorado, with occasional nesting in river valleys but no established breeding populations. Fall migration begins in late August and extends through October as birds move southbound toward winter range. Peak migration periods feature the largest populations in riparian corridors statewide. Winter populations remain small in Colorado, with most birds continuing southward into New Mexico and Arizona. The timing is less dramatic than in eastern states due to Colorado's geographic position. Late July and August bring juveniles dispersing from northern breeding grounds, creating scattered sightings before traditional fall migration. Year-to-year variation in timing reflects differing food availability and weather patterns affecting migration timing. Fruit crop maturation in riparian vegetation significantly influences presence duration and population numbers. Seethe Colorado wildlife guidefor more.

Identifying Cedar Waxwings

Cedar Waxwings are immediately recognizable once you know their distinctive features. Adults display sleek, silky plumage in warm tan and pale yellow tones with a prominent pointed crest that raises when alert. A distinctive black mask extends across the eyes like a bandit's mark, providing instant identification. The wings are blue-gray with the characteristic red waxy tips giving the species its name, appearing as tiny red droplets on the wing feathers. The tail tip is bright yellow. They measure approximately 7 to 8 inches in length, maintaining an polished graceful silhouette. Both males and females appear similar, though females average slightly duller in coloration. Immature birds are grayer, lacking sharp contrasts but retaining the distinctive sleek profile and mask pattern. Their smooth, high-pitched trilling calls, delivered in unison by flock members, are unmistakable. The combination of distinctive features makes Cedar Waxwings instantly recognizable to any observer who has studied field guide images or seen one previously. Seethe national wildlife hubfor more.

Colorado Habitats

Cedar Waxwings concentrate in Colorado habitats featuring riparian vegetation and fruiting trees. River valleys with cottonwoods, willows, and native deciduous trees provide the most reliable habitat. The South Platte River through Denver and the surrounding foothills region offers consistent Cedar Waxwing habitat during migration. Urban and suburban parks throughout Colorado's major cities, particularly those with mature ornamental trees including crabapple and berry-producing shrubs, regularly host Cedar Waxwings. Residential neighborhoods where homeowners have planted native fruiting species specifically attract these birds. Riparian restoration projects creating expanded habitat along rivers have improved Cedar Waxwing populations in recent years. Gallery forests in semi-arid regions with cottonwood and Russian olive provide forage for migratory birds. Orchards and agricultural areas in western Colorado, including around Palisade, concentrate Cedar Waxwings during harvest season. Deciduous woodlands in the lower foothills support seasonal populations. Canyonbottoms with permanent or seasonal water and associated vegetation support Cedar Waxwings. Elevation zones from 3,500 to 8,000 feet see regular use during appropriate seasons.

Cedar Waxwing Behavior

Cedar Waxwings are highly social birds appearing in flocks of ten to fifty or more individuals, rarely seen singly. They are primarily frugivores, feeding almost exclusively on berries and small fruits throughout their Colorado residence. They prefer berries from native trees including hackberry, chokecherry, and serviceberry when available. They supplement their diet with insects during spring migration and early summer, sometimes catching flies and gnats in midair. Cedar Waxwings engage in the fascinating behavior called fruit passing, where birds in a line pass a fruit from bird to bird until one consumes it. They remain highly mobile, moving between food sources as crops deplete. Flocks maintain soft trilling communication that keeps group members coordinated. They strip vegetation systematically, sometimes clearing entire trees of fruit. Cedar Waxwings rarely visit feeders, strongly preferring natural fruit sources. Their dependency on fruit completely dictates all movement and habitat selection, making them nomadic throughout their Colorado residence.

Coexistence and Safety

Cedar Waxwings are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making it illegal to harm, capture, or kill them. They pose no threat to humans or pets and exhibit no aggressive behaviors toward people. They occasionally damage ornamental fruit trees by stripping berries, but this occurs temporarily and only affects specific trees. Cedar Waxwings do not nest in human structures and create no property conflicts. They provide benefits by consuming insects and dispersing seeds through their fruit eating. In Colorado, Cedar Waxwings rarely visit bird feeders, preferring natural fruit sources exclusively. If you wish to attract Cedar Waxwings to your property, plant native fruiting trees and shrubs appropriate for your elevation zone. Avoid pesticide use, as insects are essential during migration periods. Observe Cedar Waxwings without disturbance, allowing flocks natural feeding opportunities. Report your sightings to eBird to help track population trends and migration timing. Learn more aboutColorado wildlifeand seasonal visitor patterns throughout the state.

Species Similar to Cedar Waxwing

Several Colorado bird species might superficially resemble Cedar Waxwings, though careful observation reveals clear differences. Bohemian Waxwings are larger, grayer birds with rusty undertail coverts, present only during rare winter invasions. Cedar and Bohemian Waxwings can be confused, but Bohemian Waxwings are distinctly larger and grayer overall. Yellow-throated Vireos are rare in Colorado but share yellow and gray coloring without the distinctive mask or crest. American Robins are similar in size but lack the sleek appearance and facial markings. House Finches visiting fruit trees might confuse inexperienced observers but lack Cedar Waxwing characteristics. Various flycatcher species occasionally appear similar in silhouette but lack the mask. Scarlet Tanagers have some color similarity but completely different patterns and larger size. Once you observe the combination of black mask, red wing tips, yellow tail tip, and sleek profile, Cedar Waxwings become unmistakable. ConsultingColorado bird identification guideshelps distinguish Cedar Waxwings from all other species.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do Cedar Waxwings get their name? The red tips on their wing feathers resemble sealing wax, giving the species its distinctive common name. These waxy droplets serve unknown purposes, possibly aiding in species recognition or individual identification. Do Cedar Waxwings breed in Colorado? Cedar Waxwings do not establish established breeding populations in Colorado, though occasional nesting occurs in riparian valleys. Most Colorado Cedar Waxwings are migrants passing through during spring and fall. When is the best time to see Cedar Waxwings in Colorado? Migration periods from March through May and August through October offer the highest populations and easiest viewing opportunities in Colorado. What do Cedar Waxwings eat? Cedar Waxwings feed almost exclusively on berries and small fruits, supplementing with insects during migration periods when insects become available.

Plan your cedar waxwing sighting in Colorado

80,927 verified cedar waxwing records have been logged in Colorado, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.

Where to look in Colorado

Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).

Recent cedar waxwing sightings

  • Apple Valley Rd. · 2026-07-20 20:02 · 6 seen
  • Animas River--Huck Finn Pond & Hatchery area · 2026-07-20 20:00 · 2 seen
  • Stagecoach State Park, Oak Creek US-CO 40.28380, -106.85566 · 2026-07-20 18:37 · 3 seen
  • Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat--Walden & Sawhill Ponds all together · 2026-07-20 17:25 · 2 seen
  • Sylvan Lake SP--Sylvan Lake · 2026-07-20 13:55 · 4 seen

Planning a trip to see cedar waxwing? Find places to stay near Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site on Booking.com.

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