The vibrant flash of orange and the sweet, melodic song of an oriole are delightful signs of warmer months for many North American bird enthusiasts. Attracting orioles to your backyard can be a rewarding experience, and offering the right food in the right way is key. While the image of halved oranges often comes to mind, there’s a more efficient and less wasteful approach to enticing these nectar-loving beauties.
We explore how to cater specifically to oriole preferences, ensuring they return again and again for a sweet treat without leaving a sticky, decaying mess behind. Discover how to create an irresistible oriole oasis using simple materials and smart strategies.
Oriole Species
There are approximately 9 regularly occurring types of oriole species in the United States. However, the exact number can sometimes be debated depending on how vagrant species are counted.
Here are the recognized oriole species found in the U.S.
Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula): Common in the eastern and central U.S. during breeding season.
Bullock’s Oriole (Icterus bullockiorum): Found in the western U.S. during breeding season. These two were once considered the same species (Northern Oriole).
Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius): Found in the eastern and central U.S., often arriving and departing earlier than Baltimore Orioles.
Hooded Oriole (Icterus cucullatus): Primarily found in the southwestern U.S., known for its orange hood.
Scott’s Oriole (Icterus parisorum): Inhabits the southwestern U.S., a striking black and yellow oriole.
Audubon’s Oriole (Icterus graduacauda): Found in southern Texas, with a black hood and yellow back.
Altamira Oriole (Icterus gularis): Primarily found in the southern tip of Texas, a large oriole with a broad orange shoulder.
Spot-breasted Oriole (Icterus pectoralis): A resident of southeastern Florida, easily identified by black spots on its orange breast.
Streak-backed Oriole (Icterus pustulatus): A rare visitor to the southwestern U.S. from Mexico and Central America.
Oriole Diet
Orioles have a varied diet that changes throughout the year, depending on the season and the specific needs of the birds (like migration or nesting).
Spring
Orioles arrive in the spring after a long migration and need to replenish their energy. They are highly attracted to nectar from flowers and feeders, as well as sugary fruits like oranges (halved or quartered) and grape jelly. The color orange especially attracts them. As the weather warms, insects become more readily available and provide essential protein. Orioles will eat various insects like caterpillars, beetles, grasshoppers, and spiders.
Summer
During the breeding and nesting season, insects become a primary food source, especially for feeding their young who require a high-protein diet for growth. Many bird enthusiasts offer live or dried mealworms, which are a good source of protein and are readily accepted by orioles, especially during nesting. However, they continue to eat fruits like berries (mulberries, cherries, raspberries, blackberries), grapes, and other juicy options and will still visit nectar feeders and flowers for a quick energy boost.
Fall
As they prepare for their southward migration, orioles increase their consumption of fruits, which provide sugars for energy. They seek out ripe, dark-colored fruits. They will also continue to feed on nectar from feeders and late-blooming flowers, and insects are still part of their diet, though perhaps less dominant than in the summer.
Winter
While in their tropical winter habitats in Central and South America, orioles primarily feed on nectar from flowering trees and vines, as well as various fruits and insects.
Oriole Feeder Food
To attract orioles to your backyard, especially during the spring and summer, there are some easy foods to put on your feeders.
- Orange halves or quarters: Their bright color and sweet juice are highly attractive.
- Grape jelly: Use natural grape jelly without artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavors.
- Nectar: You can use the same sugar-to-water ratio as for hummingbird feeders (4:1 water to white granulated sugar). Avoid red dyes. Oriole feeders often have larger feeding ports and perches.
- Mealworms: Offer live or dried mealworms in a dish, particularly during the nesting season.
- Suet: Some orioles may visit suet feeders, especially those with fruit or nuts.
By providing these food sources, you can create an inviting habitat for these beautiful and fascinating birds. Remember to keep feeders clean and change the food regularly to prevent spoilage.
Building Your Own Feeder
Creating an oriole feeder can be a fun and rewarding project. Here’s a step-by-step guide for a simple and effective design that caters to their preferences without relying heavily on fruit.
Materials
- A sturdy, clear plastic or glass container with a wide mouth. This could be an old jar (peanut butter, mayonnaise), a small plastic food container, or even a clean, sturdy plastic bottle. Clear allows you to see the nectar level.
- A drill with a drill bit suitable for the material of your container. The size will depend on the size of the feeding holes you want (around 1/4 inch is a good starting point).
- A piece of brightly colored, non-toxic plastic or rubber (orange is ideal). This will serve as the feeding port and attract orioles. An old plastic lid, a piece of a plastic placemat, or thick rubber sheeting works well.
- Scissors or a craft knife for cutting the plastic/rubber.
- Strong, non-toxic adhesive or silicone sealant to attach the feeding port.
- Wire or strong twine/cord for hanging the feeder.
- Optional: A small, shallow dish or platform to offer jelly or mealworms.
- Optional: A short perch (a small twig or dowel rod) to provide a place for orioles to rest while feeding.
Steps
Prepare the nectar container by thoroughly cleaning your chosen container with hot, soapy water and rinse it well. Ensure it’s completely dry before proceeding. Then decide where you want the feeding holes to be. Ideally, they should be near the top of the container, allowing nectar to pool near the openings when inverted. Carefully drill 2-4 small feeding holes around the upper part of the container. Ensure the edges of the holes are smooth to avoid injuring the birds.
Create the feeding port by cutting a piece of your bright orange plastic or rubber that is large enough to cover the area around the drilled feeding holes. A circular or slightly larger shape than the container’s diameter works well. Using your scissors or craft knife, carefully cut small openings in the orange plastic/rubber that align with the feeding holes you drilled in the container. These openings should be just large enough for an oriole to insert its beak and tongue. You might start with smaller openings and slightly enlarge them if needed.
Attach the feeding port by applying a generous amount of your non-toxic adhesive or silicone sealant to the underside of the orange plastic/rubber around the cut openings and the area that will contact the container. Carefully position the orange plastic/rubber over the feeding holes on the container, ensuring the openings align. Press it firmly onto the container and allow the adhesive/sealant to dry completely according to the product instructions. This creates a secure and somewhat leak-proof feeding area that is highly visible to orioles.
Add a hanging mechanism by first determining how you want to hang your feeder. You can either drill small holes near the top rim of the container (away from the feeding holes) and thread wire or strong twine through them to create a hanger, or use a wire cage or holder designed for small jars or bottles if you have one available.
If you want to offer jelly or mealworms, you can attach a small, shallow dish to the bottom of the feeder using strong adhesive or create a small platform extending from the feeder using wire or plastic. Ensure it’s stable and easy for orioles to access.
Prepare the Nectar
Mix a solution of 4 parts water to 1 part white granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Do not use honey or artificial sweeteners. There’s no need to add red dye, as the orange color of the feeder will attract the orioles.
Fill and Hang
Carefully fill your completed feeder with the prepared nectar. If your feeding holes are on the side, you’ll need to invert the feeder after filling, so ensure the seal around the orange port is tight. Hang your oriole feeder in a visible spot, preferably near trees or shrubs, but away from areas where squirrels or cats can easily access it.
Tips for Success
Keep it clean
Regularly clean your feeder with hot, soapy water and rinse thoroughly to prevent mold and bacteria growth, which can harm birds. Change the nectar every few days, especially in warm weather.
Be patient
It might take some time for orioles to discover your new feeder.
Placement matters
Orioles often prefer feeders placed in areas with some cover.
Offer variety
Consider offering small amounts of jelly or mealworms in addition to nectar to cater to their diverse diet.
By following these steps, you can create an attractive and functional oriole feeder that provides them with the nourishment they need without the mess and waste associated with leaving out large amounts of fruit. The key is the bright orange color and easy access to a sweet nectar source.
Final Thoughts
Orioles are a wonderful visitor to any garden or backyard. Their colorful plumage, interesting nest building and cheery songs brighten wherever they are found. By offering nectar in your garden, you avoid having to clean the mess of half-eaten fruit and can easily monitor when you need to refill. By building your own feeder, not only can you do so very cheaply but you can involve the family and customize the design. If you also add mealworms and grape jelly, then you can be assured that you are supporting these wonderful creatures and their chicks. Good luck!
