Attracting Orioles

 

Of the nine different species of orioles found in North America, only the Baltimore and Orchard Orioles visit Indiana.

They arrive around the first week of May, though sometimes earlier, so it's recommended to put their feeders out during the last week of April. Their preferred habitat consists of more rural landscapes or along lakes and waterways, ideally with a mix of woodlands and open pasture. That being said, they will travel through suburban neighborhoods on their way north, visiting your feeders during the 3-4 week spring migration period (and again in the fall).

Research shows us that orioles are visually attracted to the color orange. It's important to find feeders that make use of this trait, because most orioles are passing through and rely on sight and sound to locate food and water. That's why we also recommend hanging feeders out in the open. Avoid placing the feeder near other busy feeding areas where too much activity can scare the orioles away.

To shop from our selection of great oriole feeders, click this link: https://order.wbu.com/indianapolis/bird-feeders/oriole-feeders

  

 

Relax and Enjoy Orioles <--- Video

 

 

Food to Offer:

1. Jelly

Grape jelly is preferred and we encourage you to use jelly with natural fruit juices and sugars, not corn syrup as a main ingredient.

Order jars of grape jelly online here: Bird Jelly

 

 

 

2. Oranges

Orange halves and quarters are a must! They love this fleshy fruit. 

Fun fact: Other birds are known to feast on oranges, such as cardinals, cedar waxwings, tanagers, finches, and woodpeckers!

(Note* the Spiral Treat Tray Feeder in orange is a specialty feeder and can be purchased here:
 https://order.wbu.com/indianapolis/bird-feeders/tray-feeders/spiral-treattray-(orange)

 

 

3. Mealworms

Mealworms are a great source of protein, beneficial to egg development and baby bird growth. All songbirds like mealworms, but orioles in particular are on a strict, insect-only based diet while on nest. A small number of orioles will stay throughout summer in areas of their preferred habitat to raise young. So if you fit this criteria and are fortunate enough to have a pair nesting nearby, your best chance to attract them during this time will be with mealworm feeders.

 

 

 

Dried mealworms and live mealworms are available for purchase here: Suet & Mealworms

 

 

 

4. Nectar

Yes, some orioles drink nectar if they can. Many customers have mentioned seeing them on their hummingbird feeders, however they are incapable of hovering, so nectar feeders with perches and wider drinking ports are necessary.
Our most popular oriole feeder, pictured right, can offer all 4 food types.

(Nectar recipe: 1 part table sugar to 6 parts water. No food coloring.)
Be sure to change your nectar frequently - every 2-3 days - to keep it from fermenting in the heat.

 

 

 

Nectar Defender is a mineral micronutrient that contains no artificial preservatives
or dyes. Adding it to your nectar solution keeps it fresh for up to 2 weeks!