Waxwings periodically irrupt into the UK in large numbers when Scandinavian berry crops fail, with their welfare depending on finding adequate berry supplies in urban and suburban environments.
Waxwings arriving in the UK during irruption years face welfare challenges related to finding sufficient berry food resources. In years when UK berry crops are also poor, arriving waxwings may be in poor body condition from migration and face difficulty finding adequate food. Competition with fieldfares, redwings, and other winter thrushes can reduce access to berry trees. Urban berry trees that provide critical food resources are sometimes removed for development or management, reducing food availability for arriving irruption birds. Waxwings concentrated around food sources in urban areas face elevated predation risk from domestic cats and sparrowhawks.