Cedar Waxwings are gregarious and generally found in fairly large flocks. In the Ventana, flocks numbering 50 or more birds can often be found in late autumn feeding on ripening Madrone berries. Other favorite local foods include berries of mistletoe, coffeberry, toyon and poison oak. They are sometimes seen passing ripe berries from bird to bird until one finally eats it. Because of their strong dependence on fruit and berries, Waxwings are significant contributors to the seed disbursal of these berry producing plants.
Insects are another important food source for cedar waxwings.
Occasionally whole flocks can be seen flycatching over large expanses like the Los Padres Reservoir. One of the most unusual habits of cedar waxwings is that they don't follow a typical north-south migration pattern, but rather wander throughout their range pursuing food sources. Cedar waxwings are not known to breed or nest in the Northern Santa Lucia although they are occasionally observed here as late as June and July.