Baltimore orioles are beautiful orange and black birds that migrate through the eastern and central United States each spring and fall. Many backyard birders enjoy putting out special oriole feeders stocked with sugary nectar to attract these striking birds. Knowing the right time to put out your oriole feeder is key to successfully luring orioles into your yard.
What are the migration patterns of Baltimore orioles?
Baltimore orioles winter in the tropics of Central America, Mexico, and northern South America. They migrate northward in the spring to breed across much of the eastern and central United States as well north into Canada. The timing of their migration depends on location:
| Location | Arrival Time |
|---|---|
| Gulf Coast states | Late March to early April |
| Southeastern states | Mid-April |
| Mid-Atlantic states | Late April |
| Northeastern states | Early to mid-May |
| Midwestern states | Early to mid-May |
| Southern Canada | Late May |
In the fall, the migration pattern reverses, with orioles leaving Canada and the northern U.S. in August and September. Birds farther south depart later, with some overwintering in Florida and along the Gulf Coast.
What do Baltimore orioles eat?
Baltimore orioles are specially adapted for eating sugary fruits and nectar. Their diet consists primarily of insects, berries, and nectar.
Some of their favorite natural food sources include:
- Fruit trees such as mulberry, cherry, apple, crabapple, grape, raspberry
- Oaks and elm trees which provide caterpillars and insects
- Maple and birch sap
- Nectar from flowers of trees like lilacs, orchard trees, dandelions, trumpet vines, crab apples and more
In backyard feeders, Baltimore orioles are attracted to:
- Orange halves
- Grape jelly
- Orioles nectar made from sugar water
- Mealworms and other live insects
- Suet mixes
- Fruit such as raisins, berries, bananas
Their sweet tooth leads them to readily feed on nectar and jelly at oriole feeders.
When to Put Out Baltimore Oriole Feeders
Knowing when Baltimore orioles arrive and pass through your area is key for timing when to put out specialized oriole feeders. Here are some guidelines:
In the Southern United States
Put out your oriole feeder in late March to early April just before the first orioles arrive. Their early arrival in the southern states coincides with spring tree blossoms that provide a natural source of nectar. Setting out feeders early ensures they will discover the food source.
In the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest
Put out your feeder in mid to late April shortly before the first spring sightings in your region. The orioles arrive seeking reliable food as they move north to their breeding grounds.
In Northeastern States and Southern Canada
Put out the oriole feeder in early May just before the peak of their spring migration through your area. Arriving males will seek out reliable food sources to prepare for breeding.
You can reach out to your local birding club or online birding apps to find out when the first migrating orioles are spotted in your vicinity each spring. This offers the best indicator that orioles have arrived and are seeking food in your geographic location.
On the West Coast
In the Pacific Northwest through California, a subspecies of Baltimore oriole known as the Bullock’s oriole migrates through yards and parks. Follow the same spring feeding guidelines, putting out feeders just before the first sightings. Bullock’s orioles also readily feed on nectar and jelly blends.
During Fall Migration
Keep the oriole feeders up through the summer breeding season, but also leave them up later into the fall. Orioles continue to seek out reliable food sources as they migrate south in August and September. The sugar-rich foods help fuel their long flights.
Take down empty oriole feeders by late September or October, before rare late migrating hummingbirds arrive seeking nectar. Orioles have passed through most regions by this point.
Tips for Attracting Orioles to Your Feeders
Follow these tips to maximize your chances of attracting spring and fall migrating Baltimore orioles to your feeders:
- Place oriole feeders high in trees about 12 feet up near leafy branches. Orioles feel safest feeding up high.
- Use orange halves or colorful novelty feeders that catch the orioles eye.
- Change sugar nectar every few days to prevent fermentation and mold.
- Try grape jelly,RawData Brand oriole nectar, or other commercial nectar blends. The bright colors and sweet smells attract them.
- Avoid honey which can cause a fungal disease in hummingbirds that will also harm orioles.
- Situate feeders in the warmest area away from prevailing winds and rain.
- Have patience, as it may take a few days or weeks for orioles to discover your feeder.
Positioning feeders in your yard where you can enjoy viewing the orioles will provide an exciting spring sight. With ideal placement and timing, you stand an excellent chance of attracting migrating Baltimore orioles to your fresh nectar and jelly feeders.
Conclusion
Putting out oriole feeders at the ideal times to coincide with spring and fall migration is crucial for success in attracting them. Pay attention to the range maps and typical sighting dates in your region. Get your feeders up and filled just before the early sightings are reported nearby to attract the bright migrating males seeking food. With a properly positioned and well-stocked oriole nectar feeder, you’ll stand the best chance of bringing stunning Baltimore orioles into your yard.
