{"id":1531,"date":"2023-03-20T15:11:11","date_gmt":"2023-03-20T15:11:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.flybirdworld.com\/?p=1531"},"modified":"2026-07-04T12:52:13","modified_gmt":"2026-07-04T11:52:13","slug":"what-is-the-difference-between-cedar-waxwing-and-bohemian-waxwing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.flybirdworld.com\/es\/what-is-the-difference-between-cedar-waxwing-and-bohemian-waxwing\/","title":{"rendered":"Cedar Waxwing vs Bohemian Waxwing: What\u2019s the Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Birdwatchers across North America often confuse Cedar Waxwings and Bohemian Waxwings. At first glance, these elegant songbirds appear almost identical. Both belong to the waxwing family, share silky plumage, wear a distinctive black face mask, and display bright red wax-like tips on their wing feathers.<\/p>\n

However, despite their similarities, these two species differ in their appearance, habitat, behavior, range, diet, and breeding ecology.<\/p>\n

In this guide, we’ll compare Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) and Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus), covering everything from physical characteristics to migration patterns, vocalizations, and conservation status.<\/p>\n

Quick Comparison: Cedar Waxwing vs Bohemian Waxwing<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Feature<\/th>\nCedar Waxwing<\/th>\nBohemian Waxwing<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Scientific Name<\/td>\nBombycilla cedrorum<\/td>\nBombycilla garrulus<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Average Length<\/td>\n15\u201318 cm (6\u20137 in)<\/td>\n19\u201323 cm (7.5\u20139 in)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Wingspan<\/td>\n22\u201330 cm<\/td>\n30\u201336 cm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weight<\/td>\n30\u201335 g<\/td>\n55\u201370 g<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Range<\/td>\nNorth and Central America<\/td>\nNorthern Eurasia and North America<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Preferred Habitat<\/td>\nWoodlands, suburbs, orchards<\/td>\nBoreal forests, taiga<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Diet<\/td>\nFruits, berries, insects<\/td>\nMainly berries, insects seasonally<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Crest<\/td>\nSmall and pointed<\/td>\nLarger and fuller<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Belly Color<\/td>\nPale yellow<\/td>\nGray<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Under-tail Coverts<\/td>\nWhite<\/td>\nRich chestnut-rust<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Wing Markings<\/td>\nRed wax tips<\/td>\nRed wax tips plus white and yellow markings<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Meet the Waxwing Family<\/h2>\n

Waxwings belong to the family Bombycillidae, a small family of passerine birds known for their soft plumage, social behavior, and remarkable fruit-eating habits.<\/p>\n

Only three living waxwing species exist worldwide:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)<\/li>\n
  • Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus)<\/li>\n
  • Japanese Waxwing (Bombycilla japonica)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Among these, Cedar and Bohemian Waxwings are the two species most frequently encountered by birdwatchers in North America.<\/p>\n

    Physical Differences<\/h2>\n

    1. Overall Size<\/h3>\n

    The easiest distinction is size.<\/p>\n

    Bohemian Waxwings are noticeably larger and heavier than Cedar Waxwings.<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Cedar Waxwing:<\/strong> about 6\u20137 inches long<\/li>\n
    • Bohemian Waxwing:<\/strong> about 8\u20139 inches long<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      When seen side by side, the Bohemian appears stockier with a broader chest and thicker neck.<\/p>\n

      2. Plumage Color<\/h3>\n

      Cedar Waxwing<\/h4>\n

      The Cedar Waxwing has:<\/p>\n

        \n
      • Warm brown head
        \nSmooth tan body<\/li>\n
      • Soft yellow belly<\/li>\n
      • Gray wings<\/li>\n
      • Bright yellow tail tip<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Its plumage creates an elegant gradient from brown to pale yellow.<\/p>\n

        Bohemian Waxwing<\/h4>\n

        The Bohemian Waxwing has:<\/p>\n

          \n
        • Cool gray body<\/li>\n
        • Cinnamon face<\/li>\n
        • Rich chestnut under-tail coverts<\/li>\n
        • White and yellow wing patches<\/li>\n
        • Bright yellow tail band<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Overall, the Bohemian looks bolder and more colorful.<\/p>\n

          3. Wing Markings<\/h3>\n

          Wing patterns provide one of the most reliable identification features.<\/p>\n

          Cedar Waxwing<\/h4>\n
            \n
          • Small red wax tips<\/li>\n
          • Plain gray wings<\/li>\n
          • Minimal white markings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Bohemian Waxwing<\/h4>\n
              \n
            • Red wax tips<\/li>\n
            • Large white wing patches<\/li>\n
            • Bright yellow edging<\/li>\n
            • More decorative appearance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              If you notice striking white stripes on the wings, you’re almost certainly looking at a Bohemian Waxwing.<\/p>\n

              4. Under-tail Coverts<\/h3>\n

              Birders often check the feathers beneath the tail.<\/p>\n

                \n
              • Cedar Waxwing \u2192 white<\/li>\n
              • Bohemian Waxwing \u2192 rusty chestnut<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                This is one of the most dependable field marks.<\/p>\n

                5. Crest Shape<\/h3>\n

                Both species have elegant crests.<\/p>\n

                However:<\/p>\n

                  \n
                • Cedar Waxwing \u2192 narrow, pointed crest<\/li>\n
                • Bohemian Waxwing \u2192 larger, fuller crest<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  The Bohemian’s crest gives it a more robust appearance.<\/p>\n

                  Geographic Distribution<\/h2>\n

                  Cedar Waxwing Range<\/h3>\n

                  Cedar Waxwings are widespread throughout:<\/p>\n

                    \n
                  • Southern Canada<\/li>\n
                  • Most of the United States<\/li>\n
                  • Mexico<\/li>\n
                  • Central America<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    Many populations migrate seasonally, while southern birds remain year-round.<\/p>\n

                    They are among the most common fruit-eating birds in suburban neighborhoods.<\/p>\n

                    Bohemian Waxwing Range<\/h3>\n

                    Bohemian Waxwings occupy much colder regions.<\/p>\n

                    Their breeding range includes:<\/p>\n

                      \n
                    • Alaska<\/li>\n
                    • Northern Canada<\/li>\n
                    • Scandinavia<\/li>\n
                    • Siberia<\/li>\n
                    • Arctic forests<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                      During winter, they move south into:<\/p>\n

                        \n
                      • Northern United States<\/li>\n
                      • Central Europe<\/li>\n
                      • Northern China<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                        Unlike Cedar Waxwings, Bohemian Waxwings rarely breed in populated areas.<\/p>\n

                        Habitat Preferences<\/h2>\n

                        Cedar Waxwing Habitat<\/h3>\n

                        They favor:<\/p>\n

                          \n
                        • Deciduous woodlands<\/li>\n
                        • Parks<\/li>\n
                        • Orchards<\/li>\n
                        • Gardens<\/li>\n
                        • River edges<\/li>\n
                        • Suburban neighborhoods<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                          They thrive wherever fruit-bearing trees are abundant.<\/p>\n

                          Bohemian Waxwing Habitat<\/h3>\n

                          They prefer:<\/p>\n

                            \n
                          • Boreal forests<\/li>\n
                          • Taiga<\/li>\n
                          • Spruce forests<\/li>\n
                          • Mountain conifer forests<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                            During winter, they often visit towns searching for ornamental berry trees.<\/p>\n

                            Diet Comparison<\/h2>\n

                            Both species are highly frugivorous, meaning fruit forms the majority of their diet.<\/p>\n

                            Cedar Waxwing Diet<\/h3>\n

                            Favorite foods include:<\/p>\n

                              \n
                            • Cedar berries<\/li>\n
                            • Juniper berries<\/li>\n
                            • Dogwood berries<\/li>\n
                            • Cherries<\/li>\n
                            • Mulberries<\/li>\n
                            • Blueberries<\/li>\n
                            • Serviceberries<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                              During summer they also consume:<\/p>\n

                                \n
                              • Flying insects<\/li>\n
                              • Beetles<\/li>\n
                              • Dragonflies<\/li>\n
                              • Mayflies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                Interestingly, Cedar Waxwings catch insects in midair like flycatchers.<\/p>\n

                                Bohemian Waxwing Diet<\/h3>\n

                                Bohemian Waxwings rely even more heavily on berries.<\/p>\n

                                They commonly eat:<\/p>\n

                                  \n
                                • Rowan berries<\/li>\n
                                • Mountain ash<\/li>\n
                                • Crabapples<\/li>\n
                                • Juniper berries<\/li>\n
                                • Cotoneaster berries<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                  In breeding season they supplement with:<\/p>\n

                                    \n
                                  • Mosquitoes<\/li>\n
                                  • Midges<\/li>\n
                                  • Caterpillars<\/li>\n
                                  • Beetles<\/li>\n
                                  • Feeding Behavior<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                    Both species often feed in large flocks.<\/p>\n

                                    One fascinating behavior is fruit passing, where birds pass berries from one individual to another before finally eating them.<\/p>\n

                                    This appears to strengthen pair bonds during courtship.<\/p>\n

                                    They also consume berries extremely quickly.<\/p>\n

                                    A flock can strip an entire fruiting tree within hours.<\/p>\n

                                    Vocalizations<\/h2>\n

                                    Both waxwings produce high-pitched, thin whistles.<\/p>\n

                                    Cedar Waxwing Call<\/h3>\n
                                      \n
                                    • Higher pitch<\/li>\n
                                    • Softer<\/li>\n
                                    • Repeated “seeee” whistles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                      Bohemian Waxwing Call<\/h3>\n
                                        \n
                                      • Lower<\/li>\n
                                      • Buzzier<\/li>\n
                                      • More trilling<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                        Birders often identify flying flocks long before seeing them by recognizing these distinctive calls.<\/p>\n

                                        Breeding and Nesting<\/h2>\n

                                        Cedar Waxwing<\/h3>\n

                                        Breeding season:<\/p>\n

                                          \n
                                        • June to August<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                          Nest location:<\/p>\n

                                            \n
                                          • Small trees<\/li>\n
                                          • Shrubs<\/li>\n
                                          • Woodland edges<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                            Clutch size:<\/p>\n

                                              \n
                                            • 3\u20136 eggs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                              Both parents help raise the chicks.<\/p>\n

                                              Bohemian Waxwing<\/h3>\n

                                              Breeding season:<\/p>\n

                                                \n
                                              • May to July<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                Nest location:<\/p>\n

                                                  \n
                                                • Spruce trees<\/li>\n
                                                • Fir trees<\/li>\n
                                                • Boreal conifers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                  Clutch size:<\/p>\n

                                                    \n
                                                  • 4\u20136 eggs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                    Because northern summers are short, nesting progresses rapidly.<\/p>\n

                                                    Migration Patterns<\/h2>\n

                                                    Cedar Waxwing<\/h3>\n

                                                    Migration depends on berry availability rather than temperature.<\/p>\n

                                                    Some populations migrate thousands of miles.<\/p>\n

                                                    Others remain year-round.<\/p>\n

                                                    This irregular movement makes them somewhat unpredictable.<\/p>\n

                                                    Bohemian Waxwing<\/h3>\n

                                                    Bohemian Waxwings are famous for irruptive migration.<\/p>\n

                                                    Every few years, when northern berry crops fail, enormous flocks move far south.<\/p>\n

                                                    These irruptions can bring thousands of birds into cities where they are normally absent.<\/p>\n

                                                    Behavior<\/h2>\n

                                                    Both species are highly social.<\/p>\n

                                                    Common behaviors include:<\/p>\n

                                                      \n
                                                    • Traveling in flocks<\/li>\n
                                                    • Communal roosting<\/li>\n
                                                    • Cooperative feeding<\/li>\n
                                                    • Pair bonding through fruit sharing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                      Waxwings are unusually gentle birds, rarely showing aggressive behavior compared to many other songbirds.<\/p>\n

                                                      Lifespan<\/h2>\n

                                                      Average lifespan:<\/p>\n

                                                      Cedar Waxwing<\/h3>\n
                                                        \n
                                                      • Wild: 5\u20138 years<\/li>\n
                                                      • Maximum recorded: over 13 years<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                        Bohemian Waxwing<\/h3>\n
                                                          \n
                                                        • Wild: 5\u201310 years<\/li>\n
                                                        • Maximum recorded: over 15 years<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                          Predators include:<\/p>\n

                                                            \n
                                                          • Sharp-shinned Hawks<\/li>\n
                                                          • Cooper’s Hawks<\/li>\n
                                                          • Merlins<\/li>\n
                                                          • Domestic cats<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                            Conservation Status<\/h2>\n

                                                            Fortunately, both species are currently considered to have stable global populations.<\/p>\n

                                                            Cedar Waxwing<\/h3>\n

                                                            Population trends remain generally stable due to their adaptability to suburban environments with ornamental fruit trees.<\/p>\n

                                                            Bohemian Waxwing<\/h3>\n

                                                            Populations are also stable, although climate change may gradually alter the extent of suitable boreal breeding habitat over the coming decades.<\/p>\n

                                                            Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n

                                                            Although Cedar Waxwings and Bohemian Waxwings share an unmistakable elegance and many similar behaviors, they are distinct species with unique adaptations. Cedar Waxwings are smaller, warmer-toned birds that flourish across North America’s woodlands, orchards, and suburban landscapes, while Bohemian Waxwings are larger, colder-climate specialists of the boreal forest, recognized by their striking wing patches and chestnut under-tail feathers.<\/p>\n

                                                            Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n

                                                            Are Cedar Waxwings and Bohemian Waxwings the same species?<\/h3>\n

                                                            No. Although they belong to the same genus (Bombycilla) and share many physical characteristics, they are separate species with different ranges, sizes, and plumage patterns.<\/p>\n

                                                            Which waxwing is larger?<\/h3>\n

                                                            The Bohemian Waxwing is noticeably larger and heavier than the Cedar Waxwing. It also has broader wings and a more robust body.<\/p>\n

                                                            Can the two species be seen together?<\/h3>\n

                                                            Yes. During winter, especially in western Canada, Alaska, and parts of the northern United States, their ranges may overlap. Mixed flocks occasionally occur where berry supplies are abundant.<\/p>\n

                                                            Why do waxwings have red wax tips on their wings?<\/h3>\n

                                                            The bright red, wax-like appendages are modified feather tips. Scientists believe they may play a role in mate selection and age recognition, although their exact function is still being studied.<\/p>\n

                                                            Do both species eat insects?<\/h3>\n

                                                            Yes. Both species consume insects during the breeding season to provide protein for themselves and their growing chicks. However, fruit remains their primary food source for much of the year.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                                            Birdwatchers across North America often confuse Cedar Waxwings and Bohemian Waxwings. At first glance,…<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1532,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_daextam_enable_autolinks":"1","footnotes":""},"categories":[129,3],"tags":[218,217],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.flybirdworld.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1531"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.flybirdworld.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.flybirdworld.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.flybirdworld.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.flybirdworld.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1531"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.flybirdworld.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1531\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5551,"href":"https:\/\/www.flybirdworld.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1531\/revisions\/5551"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.flybirdworld.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1532"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.flybirdworld.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1531"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.flybirdworld.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1531"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.flybirdworld.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1531"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}