Are There Cedar Waxwings in Maine?
Yes, cedar waxwings are common breeding visitors to Maine from late spring through early autumn. These sleek songbirds migrate through the state during spring and fall, with most populations leaving before winter sets in. While they breed throughout Maine, they concentrate in areas with abundant fruit trees and wild berries.
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 · Shirley Zundell CC BY
Cedar Waxwing · Public domain CC0
Cedar Waxwing · Public domain CC0
- 142,372
- GBIF records
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- birding hotspots
Yes, cedar waxwings are in Maine. Next you'll want:
Yes, cedar waxwings are common breeding visitors to Maine from late spring through early autumn. These sleek songbirds migrate through the state during spring and fall, with most populations leaving before winter sets in. While they breed throughout Maine, they concentrate in areas with abundant fruit trees and wild berries.
Where Cedar Waxwings Are Found in Maine
Cedar waxwings breed throughout most of Maine, with populations strongest in southern and central regions. They favor mixed woodlands, orchards, and riparian corridors along major rivers like the Kennebec and Androscoggin. The Moosehead Lake region and areas around Rangeley Lakes provide ideal habitat with abundant wild fruit trees. They also appear regularly in suburban neighborhoods with berry-bearing trees. The coastal plains from Portland northward support breeding populations, though they are less common in the northernmost regions near the Canadian border. Orchards in the Cumberland County area frequently host family groups during breeding season. Most birds depart by November as fruit availability drops and temperatures fall. Seethe Cedar Waxwing guide for Mainefor more.
Seasonal Timing and Migration
Cedar waxwings return to Maine in May and remain through September, with some lingering into early October if food sources hold. The peak breeding period runs from June through August. Spring migration brings early arrivals in late April, when they track the emergence of insects and early fruit development. Fall migration occurs over a longer period from August through September, sometimes extending into October. During winter months, cedar waxwings almost completely disappear from Maine, driven out by the scarcity of fruit and freezing temperatures. Rare individuals occasionally overwinter if berry supplies remain abundant, but these sightings are exceptional. The species' movements are heavily tied to fruiting phenology rather than calendar dates. Seethe Maine wildlife guidefor more.
Identifying Cedar Waxwings
Cedar waxwings are medium-sized songbirds approximately seven inches long with distinctive sleek plumage. Their most recognizable feature is a neat crest on their head and a black mask across their face. The body is soft gray and pale yellow, with a bright yellow tip on the tail. Their wings show red waxy tips, which inspired their common name. Both males and females share this polished appearance, though females may have slightly duller coloring. Juveniles lack the black mask and red wing tips, appearing brownish and streaked. Cedar waxwings produce soft, high-pitched whistles rather than loud songs. Their call sounds like a thin "see-see-see." In flight, they appear graceful and direct, often moving in flocks even during breeding season.
Where Sightings Concentrate in Maine
Cedar waxwings concentrate in berry-rich habitats, particularly around wild cherry, serviceberry, and dogwood trees. Residential areas with ornamental fruit trees attract them strongly, especially suburbs where juniper and ash trees thrive. Riparian zones along the Saco, Presumpscot, and Penobscot Rivers host regular flocks. Wetland edges with elderberry and mulberry shrubs provide reliable viewing locations. Orchards in York and Cumberland Counties often support small flocks during summer. Public lands like Morse Mountain near Phippsburg and Bates-Morse Mountain Wildlife Refuge frequently see cedar waxwings. The White Mountain foothills region in western Maine offers good sighting opportunities. During migration periods, they move through virtually any habitat with fruiting trees, so they turn up in unexpected locations as they follow food resources.
Behavior and Diet
Cedar waxwings are nomadic fruit specialists, moving to wherever berries are most abundant. Unlike most birds, they eat fruit as their primary diet year-round, though they supplement with insects during breeding season. They consume berries whole and can process large quantities, spending hours perched quietly while feeding. Waxwings often remain silent while eating, only vocalizing when flying or when individuals join feeding flocks. They are highly social birds, typically seen in small to large flocks even when breeding. Pairs often engage in a unique courtship ritual where they pass a berry back and forth. Nesting typically occurs in loose colonies, with multiple pairs breeding in the same area. Their diet can affect behavior dramatically, as they sometimes become intoxicated from overripe fermenting berries.
Coexistence and Conservation
Cedar waxwings are fully protected under federal law and Maine state wildlife statutes. They pose no threat to human safety or property. While they occasionally damage fruit crops, damage is typically minor and concentrated on ornamental plantings. Most Mainers appreciate their presence as both beautiful birds and indicators of healthy fruiting plants. Planting native berry-producing trees and shrubs benefits cedar waxwings without requiring special management. They do not nest in cavities or use nest boxes, so standard birdhouse designs are ineffective. Maintaining dead trees and snags benefits waxwings by supporting insects and providing perches. Cedar waxwing populations in Maine remain stable and show no signs of decline. Their visits to residential areas are generally welcomed by bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.
Species Commonly Confused with Cedar Waxwings
Bohemian waxwings are the most frequently confused species, though they rarely reach Maine. Bohemian waxwings show rusty undertail coverts and white wing markings absent in cedar waxwings. American robins might seem similar at first glance, but robins are larger and show a red breast. Cedar waxwings fromwildlife/mainediffer from robins in their sleek appearance and black mask. Young cedar waxwings might be confused with female scarlet tanagers, though tanagers are larger and show entirely different body patterns. Tufted titmice are small gray birds sometimes mistaken for waxwings, but titmice have rusty flanks and black markings. Yellow warblers lack the distinctive crest and mask of cedar waxwings. Knowing the cedar waxwing's unique silhouette helps distinguish them from Maine's other migratory songbirds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name cedar waxwing mean? The name refers to the red waxy tips on their wing feathers and their preference for cedar berries, which they consume in large quantities. Can cedar waxwings hurt my fruit trees? Cedar waxwings rarely cause significant damage, typically eating only a small percentage of berries. They actually help disperse seeds over wide distances. Why do cedar waxwings sometimes act drunk? Overripe or fermented berries can cause temporary intoxication, leading to unusual behavior and occasional accidents. When should I expect to see cedar waxwings in Maine? Peak season runs from June through August during breeding season, with smaller numbers visible during spring and fall migration periods. For more information about Maine wildlife, visitwildlife/maineor explore the nationalwildlifeguide.
Plan your cedar waxwing sighting in Maine
142,372 verified cedar waxwing records have been logged in Maine, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Maine
- Acadia National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Saint Croix Island International Historic Site · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Frances Perkins National Monument · Find hotels
- Maine Acadian Culture · Find hotels
- Monhegan Island · 324 species recorded
- Biddeford Pool · 321 species recorded
- Acadia NP (please use more specific location if possible) · 294 species recorded
- Biddeford Pool--East Point Sanctuary · 289 species recorded
- Wells Reserve at Laudholm · 284 species recorded
- Stratton Island · 281 species recorded
Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).
Recent cedar waxwing sightings
- Jordan Homestead Preserve · 2026-07-20 19:46 · 1 seen
- Auburn Lake Nature Trail South, Whitman Spring Rd. · 2026-07-20 19:40 · 6 seen
- Morgan Meadow WMA · 2026-07-20 19:05 · 5 seen
- Kennebago River Road, Rangeley, Maine, US (45.111, -70.756) · 2026-07-20 19:03 · 1 seen
- TLC · 2026-07-20 18:39 · 3 seen
More wildlife in Maine