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Are There Cedar Waxwings in New York?

Cedar Waxwings are common throughout New York, present as breeding birds and migrants. They arrive in spring, establish breeding territories across the state, remain through fall migration, and some winter in favorable locations. Visitors to [/wildlife/new-york](/wildlife/new-york) will encounter Cedar Waxwings in orchards, gardens, parks, and natural areas.

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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 New York

Cedar Waxwing · Shirley Zundell CC BY

Cedar Waxwing photographed in New York

Cedar Waxwing · Public domain CC0

Cedar Waxwing photographed in New York

Cedar Waxwing · Public domain CC0

Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Found in New York
488,940
GBIF records
6
birding hotspots

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

Cedar Waxwings are common throughout New York, present as breeding birds and migrants. They arrive in spring, establish breeding territories across the state, remain through fall migration, and some winter in favorable locations. Visitors to/wildlife/new-yorkwill encounter Cedar Waxwings in orchards, gardens, parks, and natural areas.

Where Cedar Waxwings Occur Across New York

Cedar Waxwings are found statewide across New York in suitable habitat. The Hudson River Valley provides excellent riparian habitat with cottonwoods, willows, and fruit-bearing shrubs. The Finger Lakes region supports breeding and migrating populations in orchards and natural areas. The Genesee River drainage in western New York provides riparian habitat. Central and southern New York's agricultural areas with orchards and hedgerows attract Cedar Waxwings. Northern New York mountains and foothills host breeding populations in lower elevation valleys. The Adirondack region has Cedar Waxwings at moderate elevations where fruit-producing vegetation occurs. The Great Lakes shorelines in western New York provide migration corridors. Long Island and the Hudson Valley coastlines concentrate migrating flocks. Urban and suburban areas throughout New York, including Central Park in Manhattan, have Cedar Waxwings. State parks and nature preserves statewide provide habitat. Wetland areas and marshes adjacent to forests and shrublands host waxwings. Seethe Cedar Waxwing guide for New Yorkfor more.

Seasonal Timing and Migration Patterns

Cedar Waxwings arrive in New York in late April and early May as spring migration begins. Breeding populations establish territories from May through June across suitable habitat statewide. The breeding season extends from June through August, with birds raising young where fruit is abundant. Post-breeding movement begins in late July and August as birds gather in flocks. Fall migration intensifies in September and October, with peak numbers in September and early October. Some Cedar Waxwings remain in New York through late November and December, particularly in milder years or where food remains plentiful. Winter residents are uncommon but possible in southern New York and along the coast. Early spring migrants begin returning in February and March, establishing breeding territories. The precise timing varies annually with weather and food availability. Peak viewing occurs from May through June for breeding birds and again from August through October during fall migration. Seethe New York wildlife guidefor more.

Identifying Cedar Waxwings in New York

Cedar Waxwings are medium-sized songbirds approximately seven inches long with a distinctive appearance. Look for the prominent crest on the head and sleek gray-brown plumage. The most memorable field mark is the black mask across the face. The tail displays bright yellow tips, one of the most recognizable characteristics. Adult birds often show bright red, waxy-looking tips on secondary flight feathers, especially visible in spring and early summer. Males and females look nearly identical in the field. Juveniles are paler and more streaked, lacking the sharp facial mask and showing minimal or no red wing markings. Cedar Waxwings produce high-pitched, thin calls sounding like "seee-seee-seee." These lisping calls are often the first indication of their presence. Their refined posture, smooth flight, and tendency to flock closely together make Cedar Waxwings distinctive once learned. Seethe national wildlife hubfor more.

Prime Locations for Finding Cedar Waxwings

For Cedar Waxwings in New York, the/wildlife/new-york/cedar-waxwingguide provides detailed location information. During breeding season, search orchards and gardens throughout central and eastern New York. The Hudson River Valley provides excellent spring and fall migration habitat. The Finger Lakes region with its numerous orchards attracts Cedar Waxwings reliably during migration seasons. Coastal areas and barrier beaches concentrate migrating flocks during September. Central Park in New York City regularly hosts Cedar Waxwings during migration, particularly in September. Parks and gardens with native fruit-bearing trees offer reliable viewing from April through December. The Adirondacks and northern mountains host breeding populations in suitable valleys. Wetland reserves and state wildlife management areas throughout New York provide excellent habitat. Birding hot spots like Point Pelee migration corridor and various state parks yield Cedar Waxwing sightings during appropriate seasons. Winter birding at locations with abundant winter fruits can yield flocks.

Cedar Waxwing Feeding Behavior and Ecology

Cedar Waxwings are among the most social of songbirds, typically seen in flocks rather than individually. They primarily consume small fruits and berries from plants including cedar, juniper, dogwood, serviceberry, chokecherry, hawthorn, elderberry, and various ornamental trees. In spring and early summer, they increasingly catch insects in mid-air, behavior intensifying during breeding season. Cedar Waxwings engage in unique fruit-passing behavior where birds in a line hand fruit along before one finally consumes it, a behavior of unknown function possibly strengthening flock bonds. They spend considerable time preening and resting between feeding bouts. Their breeding season is unusually late for songbirds, typically beginning in June and extending through August, allowing them to raise young when fruit abundance peaks. This nomadic lifestyle means Cedar Waxwings move to follow food sources within breeding seasons and between seasons.

Legal Protections and Coexistence

Cedar Waxwings are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making it illegal to capture, kill, or keep them without federal permits. They are common to abundant in New York and face no conservation threats. The birds rarely cause problems for people and require no management or control. Cedar Waxwings occasionally visit residential gardens and parks, providing delightful viewing opportunities. If they congregate on fruit trees in your yard, enjoy them as temporary visitors that typically remain only days until local fruit is depleted. No action is necessary or recommended. Maintaining native berry-producing shrubs and trees benefits Cedar Waxwings and many other wildlife species. Providing fresh water sources, particularly during spring and fall migration, is appreciated. These polished birds indicate healthy ecosystems with adequate natural food and shelter for wildlife.

Species Easily Confused with Cedar Waxwings

Bohemian Waxwings are the species most likely confused with Cedar Waxwings in New York, though Bohemians are rare and occur primarily as winter visitors in northern regions. When present, Bohemians are larger, grayer, and show distinctive rusty undertail coverts instead of yellow. They display white wing bars and more extensive white markings not seen on Cedar Waxwings. Starlings share similar size but have spotty plumage and entirely different shapes. Flycatchers and phoebes resemble waxwings in profile but are smaller and more active foragers. Cardinalids and grosbeaks have much heavier bills. Warblers are typically smaller with different facial patterns and behaviors. Thrushes are chunky compared to the sleek Cedar Waxwing. To confirm Cedar Waxwings, look for the combination of sleek gray plumage, prominent crest, black mask, and distinctive yellow tail tip. The thin, lisping calls are also diagnostic for identification.

Common Questions About Cedar Waxwings

When do Cedar Waxwings breed in New York? Cedar Waxwings breed from June through August, later than most songbirds, timing reproduction to coincide with peak fruit availability for feeding young. Why are Cedar Waxwings so nomadic? These birds follow ripening fruit across the landscape, moving whenever local food becomes scarce. This nomadic lifestyle allows exploitation of seasonal abundance in different regions. Do Cedar Waxwings stay in New York year-round? Most leave by late fall, though small numbers may remain in mild winters. Are Cedar Waxwings common? Yes, they are common to abundant during breeding and migration seasons. How can I attract Cedar Waxwings? Plant native berry-producing shrubs and trees like serviceberry, dogwood, hawthorn, and juniper. Provide fresh water. The/wildlifesection offers additional habitat recommendations for Cedar Waxwings and other species.

Plan your cedar waxwing sighting in New York

488,940 verified cedar waxwing records have been logged in New York, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.

Where to look in New York

Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).

Recent cedar waxwing sightings

  • Dryden Lake, Dryden US-NY 42.45776, -76.26926 · 2026-07-20 20:20 · 1 seen
  • Sharon's · 2026-07-20 20:03 · 2 seen
  • Mount Gulian · 2026-07-20 19:53 · 1 seen
  • Flushing Meadows Corona Park--Meadow Lake · 2026-07-20 19:41 · 6 seen
  • 14432, Clifton Springs US-NY 42.93117, -77.21265 · 2026-07-20 19:39 · 2 seen

Planning a trip to see cedar waxwing? Find places to stay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail on Booking.com.

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