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Are There Cedar Waxwings in North Dakota?

Cedar Waxwings are summer residents and migrants in North Dakota. They arrive in spring, establish breeding territories across the state, and depart in fall with only rare winter lingering. Exploring [/wildlife/north-dakota](/wildlife/north-dakota) from May through September offers opportunities to encounter Cedar Waxwings in appropriate habitats.

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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 North Dakota

Cedar Waxwing · Shirley Zundell CC BY

Cedar Waxwing photographed in North Dakota

Cedar Waxwing · Public domain CC0

Cedar Waxwing photographed in North Dakota

Cedar Waxwing · Public domain CC0

Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Found in North Dakota
26,027
GBIF records
6
birding hotspots

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

Cedar Waxwings are summer residents and migrants in North Dakota. They arrive in spring, establish breeding territories across the state, and depart in fall with only rare winter lingering. Exploring/wildlife/north-dakotafrom May through September offers opportunities to encounter Cedar Waxwings in appropriate habitats.

Where Cedar Waxwings Occur in North Dakota

Cedar Waxwings are found throughout North Dakota wherever suitable riparian and woodland habitat exists. The Missouri River drainage across the state provides excellent habitat with cottonwoods, willows, and fruit-bearing shrubs. The Heart River, Knife River, and Little Missouri River drainages in central and western North Dakota support Cedar Waxwing populations. Eastern North Dakota along the Red River provides riparian habitat suitable for waxwings. The Badlands region in northwestern North Dakota has Cedar Waxwings in canyon bottoms and sheltered drainages. Scattered woodlots throughout the Great Plains, particularly around ranches and farms, attract Cedar Waxwings. Orchards and gardens in North Dakota towns and cities host migrants and breeding birds. Riparian reserves and wildlife management areas throughout the state provide habitat. State parks including the Theodore Roosevelt National Park contain Cedar Waxwing habitat. The Garrison Reservoir and other large water bodies have shoreline vegetation supporting waxwings. Small shelterbelts and windbreaks containing berry-producing trees attract cedar waxwings. Seethe Cedar Waxwing guide for North Dakotafor more.

Seasonal Timing in North Dakota

Cedar Waxwings are present in North Dakota primarily from May through September. Spring migration brings birds north from late April through May, establishing breeding territories. The breeding season extends from June through early August as birds raise young in North Dakota. Early summer brings fledglings joining flocks in late July and August. Post-breeding movement begins in August as birds gather in flocks in riparian areas. Fall migration intensifies in September as birds move south, with most departing by early October. Winter sightings are rare in North Dakota, with birds moving to southern states or mild regions. Very occasional winter records exist, typically in favorable years with abundant food and mild weather. Early spring migrants return starting in late April. The precise timing varies annually with weather patterns. Peak viewing occurs in June through July for breeding birds and again in August and September during post-breeding aggregations and fall migration. Seethe North Dakota wildlife guidefor more.

How to Identify Cedar Waxwings

Cedar Waxwings are medium-sized songbirds measuring approximately seven inches in length. Their most distinctive feature is the prominent crest on the head. Look for sleek gray-brown plumage and a striking black mask across the face. The tail displays bright yellow tips, one of the most recognizable field marks. Adult birds often show bright red, waxy-looking tips on secondary flight feathers, especially visible in spring and early summer. Males and females appear nearly identical in the field. Juveniles are paler and more streaked, lacking the sharp facial mask and showing little or no red on wing feathers. 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 tightly together make Cedar Waxwings distinctive and easily recognized. Seethe national wildlife hubfor more.

Prime Locations for Cedar Waxwing Viewing

For Cedar Waxwings in North Dakota, the/wildlife/north-dakota/cedar-waxwingguide provides detailed location information. The Missouri River corridor from north to south provides the most reliable viewing. The Garrison Reservoir near Bismarck attracts Cedar Waxwings during breeding season and migration. Theodore Roosevelt National Park in northwestern North Dakota offers scenic viewing opportunities in canyon habitats. The Badlands region provides habitat in sheltered drainages and cottonwood stands. Eastern North Dakota along the Red River attracts migrants and breeding birds. Small towns and city parks throughout North Dakota with fruit-bearing trees attract Cedar Waxwings during spring and fall migration. Orchards in agricultural areas concentrate birds during ripening fruit seasons. Riparian reserves and wildlife management areas along major rivers provide good viewing. Wetland areas adjacent to woodlands and shrublands host Cedar Waxwings. Searches along tree-lined creeks and intermittent streams are often productive.

Cedar Waxwing Ecology and Behavior in North Dakota

Cedar Waxwings are among the most social of all songbirds, typically observed in flocks rather than singly. They primarily consume small fruits and berries from plants including chokecherry, serviceberry, buffaloberry, and various ornamental trees. They catch insects in mid-air during breeding season. Cedar Waxwings engage in unique fruit-passing behavior where birds in a line hand fruit along before one finally consumes it. This behavior serves unknown functions, though it may strengthen flock cohesion. 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 timing allows Cedar Waxwings to exploit the brief North Dakota growing season by breeding when natural food reaches maximum availability. Their nomadic lifestyle within breeding season means Cedar Waxwings move to follow ripening fruit sources.

Legal Protection 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 North Dakota during breeding season and face no conservation threats. The birds rarely cause problems for people and require no management. 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 during hot, dry summers, particularly during breeding season, is appreciated. These polished birds indicate healthy riparian and forest ecosystems with adequate natural food and shelter for wildlife.

Similar Species and Identification Challenges

Bohemian Waxwings are the species most likely confused with Cedar Waxwings, though Bohemians are rare in North Dakota and occur only very occasionally during winter invasions. When present, Bohemians are larger, grayer, and show distinctive rusty undertail coverts instead of yellow. They display white wing bars not seen on Cedar Waxwings. Starlings share similar size but have spotty plumage and entirely different shapes. Various flycatchers and phoebes resemble waxwings in profile but are smaller and more active foragers. Tanagers and grosbeaks have heavier bills and different plumage patterns. Warblers are typically smaller with different facial patterns and behaviors. Thrushes are chunky compared to the sleek Cedar Waxwing. Bluebirds are blue rather than gray. To confirm Cedar Waxwings, look for the combination of sleek gray plumage, obvious crest, black mask, and distinctive yellow tail tip. The thin, lisping calls are also diagnostic.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cedar Waxwings

When are Cedar Waxwings present in North Dakota? Cedar Waxwings are present from May through September, with peak numbers from June through August. They breed during this period then depart in fall. Do Cedar Waxwings breed in North Dakota? Yes, they breed throughout the state in riparian areas and woodlands. Nesting occurs from June through August, later than most songbirds. 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 winter in North Dakota? Rarely. Most depart by October, with occasional sightings in mild years. How can I attract Cedar Waxwings? Plant native berry-producing shrubs like chokecherry and serviceberry. Provide fresh water. Visit the/wildlifesection for additional habitat recommendations for Cedar Waxwings and other species.

Plan your cedar waxwing sighting in North Dakota

26,027 verified cedar waxwing records have been logged in North Dakota, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.

Where to look in North Dakota

Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).

Recent cedar waxwing sightings

  • 🏡 Magpie Manor · 2026-07-20 20:25 · 2 seen
  • Azar residence, Williston · 2026-07-20 19:55 · 5 seen
  • Theodore Roosevelt NP--Painted Canyon · 2026-07-20 11:36 · 1 seen
  • Grand Forks AFB Lagoons · 2026-07-20 07:36 · 1 seen
  • 5831 Valley Road, Kathryn, ND 58049 · 2026-07-20 07:21 · 1 seen

Planning a trip to see cedar waxwing? Find places to stay near Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site on Booking.com.

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