Cedar waxwing

The Cedar waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) is a member of the order Passeriformes and the family Bombycillidae. While often appreciated for their appearance, they are recognized as significant pests in horticultural settings. Their specialized diet, consisting primarily of fruit and berries, places them in direct competition with growers aiming to harvest high-value crops.

The biology of the Cedar waxwing revolves around their social, flock-based behavior. During the summer and autumn months, they move in large groups in search of high-energy food sources. This gregarious nature allows them to rapidly locate ripening fruit and cause extensive damage to specific trees or plantation rows within a very short timeframe.

These birds pose a threat to a variety of berry and fruit crops, including blueberries, strawberries, cherries, grapes, serviceberries, and honeysuckle. Their feeding habits are indiscriminate, as they target both ripe and semi-ripe fruits, frequently leaving behind partially consumed berries that harbor pathogens and lead to rapid fruit rot.

The economic impact of Cedar waxwing damage is substantial. Beyond the physical consumption of fruit, the damage causes severe cosmetic defects, making the remaining crop unmarketable. Furthermore, the presence of damaged, rotting fruit attracts secondary pests such as wasps, vinegar flies, and various fungal pathogens, exacerbating the overall yield loss.

Effective management strategies for protecting commercial orchards and home gardens focus on exclusion and deterrence. Because these birds are often protected by wildlife regulations, lethal control is generally prohibited. Growers should implement a multi-layered approach to pest management to discourage the flock from settling in the orchard area.