Orioles can start arriving from mid-April in the southern states and to stand the best chance of getting Orioles to your yard you need to start early when they first arrive.
They don’t hang around for too long and start to migrate south to Mexico for the winter in August so don’t delay.
There are 8 species of Oriole in the United States and Canada but only 5 are common.
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1. Get your feeders out early
Orioles start arriving in Mid-April and migrate back in August and September.
They prefer high sugar foods during migration and will feed more on insects during the breeding season.
2. Make sugar water the same as for hummingbirds
Sugar water for orioles is really simple to make and only takes a few minutes.
They drink the same sugar water ratio as hummingbirds so just make this sugar water recipe.
3. Get specific oriole feeders
Orioles feed on insects and nectar so you need to supply a nectar feeder to get orioles visiting your yard.
Orioles’ beaks are bigger than hummingbirds so they need different nectar feeders.
They are also attracted to the color orange so oriole feeders in orange are best.
A feeder that offers a different variety of foods is best and saves you money.
The 3-way feeder from Birds Choice is a great buy as it can hold nectar, oranges and jelly all at the same time.
4. Provide grape flavored jelly
Orioles love the sweetness of jelly (not jam), especially the grape flavor. Just buy the regular store-bought variety.
But don’t put out too much as it can stick to their feathers.
5. Add a birdbath
Birds love water to drink and wash in, so supplying a birdbath is a great way to attract more orioles.
A birdbath, such as this ground-level birdbath, is a great option as it is easy to clean.
6. Offer fresh fruit
Orioles love fresh fruit especially oranges cut in half. You can also try grapes, bananas, raspberries
7. Put the feeders out where they can see
It is best to put feeders and fresh-cut oranges out where the orioles can see them when first attracting them.
You can also put more in the shade of trees to stop them from going rancid in the heat once you have regular visitors.
8. Add native plants and trees
Orioles like dark-colored and ripe fruit such as:
- Wild grape
- Mulberries
- Cherries
- Raspberries
- Carb apples
- Trumpet vines
9. It can be hard to spot them once nesting complete
Orioles can hide amongst the leaves and branches of fruit trees and even though the males are brightly colored they can be hard to spot.
Once nesting is over the males stop singing and orioles get down to the important business of feeding for the return migration.
Look for them on fruiting trees as the fruit is at its most ripe as they prefer dark fruits.
10. Don’t give up if they don’t appear in your yard in the first season
Orioles are not around for long and they may only pass through during migration so don’t despair if they are not visiting your feeders in the first year.
Hopefully next year you will have them brightening up your yard
