Orioles are beautiful, brightly colored songbirds that migrate through many parts of North America each spring and summer. These striking birds with their bold orange and black plumage are a welcome sight as they return from their wintering grounds in Central and South America. Many people enjoy putting out special oriole feeders to attract these lovely birds to their yards. But when is the right time to put out oriole feeders? There are a few factors to consider when deciding when to make oriole feeders available.
When do orioles migrate?
Orioles migrate northward in spring, returning to their breeding grounds throughout the central and eastern U.S. and parts of Canada. The exact timing of their spring migration varies depending on the species and location, but here are some general time frames:
– Baltimore orioles: Begin arriving in the southern U.S. in early April. Migrate through the central U.S. in April and May, reaching northern states and southern Canada by late May.
– Orchard orioles: Arrive in the south in April. Migrate through the central U.S. April through early June. Reach northern states by early to mid-June.
– Bullock’s orioles: Migrate through the southwestern U.S. in April. Arrive in the northwestern U.S. and western Canada in May.
– Scott’s orioles: Found in the southwestern U.S., primarily Texas and New Mexico. Migrate north in April and May.
The timing may vary by a week or two from year to year depending on weather conditions. Generally, orioles arrive earlier in warm springs and later if spring is cool or delayed.
When do orioles start nesting?
Orioles begin nesting almost as soon as they arrive on their breeding grounds. The females select a site and build an intricate, hanging nest out of plant fibers, bark, hair, wool and other materials. They often nest at the tips of branches 10-30 feet above ground.
Nest building takes 7-10 days on average. The female lays 3-7 eggs and incubates them for 12-14 days. Once the chicks hatch, both parents feed the nestlings for another 12-14 days until they fledge from the nest.
This means most orioles are busy with nesting activities through April, May and June across the different parts of their breeding range. Providing food from feeders can be very helpful for their high energy needs during this time.
When should I put out oriole feeders?
Based on their spring arrival and nesting timelines, here are some guidelines for when to put out specialized oriole feeders by region:
Southern U.S.
Mid-March to early April: Orioles begin arriving in the Deep South in March and April. Have feeders up and available by mid-March in southern Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida. This will provide a food source as the earliest arrivals appear.
Central U.S.
Mid-April: Orioles appear in the mid south and central Plains states of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, Tennessee and Kentucky starting in mid-April. Have feeders ready by mid-April to coincide with the first arrivals.
Early May: In the midwest and Great Lakes regions like Ohio, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan, put up feeders by early May when migration typically picks up in these areas.
Northern U.S. and Southern Canada
Mid-May: Orioles reach the northern parts of their range in mid to late May. In northern states across New England, the northern Plains and Pacific Northwest, and the adjacent parts of southern Canada, have feeders up by mid-May for best results.
Some tips:
– Be prepared about 1-2 weeks before orioles normally arrive in your location. Once they show up, they will likely find and use the feeders quickly.
– In northern areas, hang feeders by mid-May at the latest. Late arrivals from prolonged cold springs might not show up until late May or June.
– Along coastal areas and near the Great Lakes, orioles may arrive earlier, more in line with central regions. You may be able to put feeders up a week or two sooner.
– High elevations receive orioles later in spring. Adjust your timing accordingly if you live in the mountains.
What food should I provide?
Orioles like sweet drinks and fruit. The most popular oriole feeder contains sugary syrup, made by mixing sugar with water in a 1:4 to 1:6 ratio. They also feed on mealworms, suet mixes, nuts and fruit like oranges, berries, bananas and grapes.
Here are some feeding tips:
– Use orange slices, grape jelly, or nectar recipes specially formulated for orioles. Avoid dyes and artificial flavors.
– Change sugar-water every few days, or daily in warm weather, to prevent fermentation and spoilage.
– Skewer halved oranges or grape jellies onto branches or hang from feeders.
– Offer mealworms in small dishes or platform feeders. Live or dried mealworms are readily eaten.
– Fruit can be skewered onto branches or placed in fruit feeders. Raisins and currants are other good options.
– Suet, nuts, seed blends and nectar mixes specifically for orioles are also available.
Providing a variety of different food options may attract more orioles to your yard. Catering to their tastes with sweeter foods often yields the best results.
Where should I place oriole feeders?
Orioles prefer to feed higher up in trees. Ideal placement for oriole feeding stations is:
– 10-20 feet high near the canopy of taller trees.
– Near deciduous trees that provide early spring flowers and insects that orioles feed on.
– Close to areas of dense foliage or branches for perching nearby.
– With a clear approach path so the colorful feeder is easily seen.
– Out of the reach of squirrels if possible. Squirrel guards can help deter them.
Feeders can also be hung from eaves, porch coverings, or shepherd’s hooks in yards without suitable trees. Place them as high as possible for safety from predators.
A water source like a fountain, pond, or bird bath is also appreciated, since orioles enjoy bathing as well as drinking.
How can I attract orioles to my yard?
Here are some tips to make your yard attractive and inviting to migrating orioles in spring:
– Provide the appropriate food and nectar sources they seek.
– Ensure feeders are up early enough before orioles arrive.
– Place feeders high in optimal spots for safety and visibility.
– Have a source of water available for drinking and bathing.
– Limit use of pesticides, as orioles feed on insects too.
– Offer overhanging branches and nesting materials like hair, twine, or pet fur.
– Plant native trees and flowers that blossom early like crabapples, cherries, maples, dandelions and orchids. Hummingbird feeders also may draw in orioles.
– Remove mesh bags, hazardous strings and nest-trapping materials.
– Install orange, yellow or red feeders that catch their eye.
– Keep feeders clean and nectar fresh to encourage return visits.
With the right habitat and a little preparation, you can provide a welcoming stopover for migrating orioles to enjoy in the spring. Following these tips will help you attract them and get the most out of your feeders. Observing these stunning birds on their journey north is a reward for any backyard bird enthusiast.
Conclusion
Orioles are highly sought-after colorful songbirds that migrate through backyards across much of North America each spring. To attract them, focus on making feeders available starting in mid-March through mid-May, depending on your location and their normal arrival times. Stock feeders with their preferred foods like sugary nectar, orange slices, mealworms and jelly. Place feeders 10-20 feet high in trees on the edge of yards and open spaces. Also provide overhanging branches and a water source if possible. Maintaining clean, well-stocked feeders and landscaping with native plants will create an enticing spot for migrating orioles to stop at in your yard. Following these tips will allow you to observe their brilliant plumage and enjoy their musical songs as a harbinger of the spring season.