Baltimore Oriole
A bright spring and summer visitor of open deciduous trees that can be drawn to a well-kept fruit and nectar station.
By Birdly Yard Editorial TeamReviewed Updated
Local season
Months with a state-level historical signal for this species.
Ways to support Baltimore Oriole
Choose a starting point for Baltimore Oriole. Open a setup to see the supplies, steps and checks for your location.
Native fruit in season
Locally suitable plants with ripe fruit
See setup & checksBranches for hanging nests
Natural high branches used by orioles
See setup & checksResource illustrations are not complete nest-box designs or a promise of visits.
Status
Historical seasonal record
Look for it
Look high in leafy trees, flowering vines, orchards, and the upper branches around parks and residential yards.
Food
Insects, caterpillars, ripe fruit, nectar, and other small invertebrates; insects are especially important while feeding young.
Nesting
Natural nesting guidance
Baltimore Oriole habitat
Open woodland, mature deciduous trees, fruiting plants, and nectar-bearing flowers make a stronger yard than a feeder alone.
Baltimore Oriole diet and food
Insects, caterpillars, ripe fruit, nectar, and other small invertebrates; insects are especially important while feeding young.
Offer fresh orange halves or a small amount of jelly in an oriole feeder, and refresh it often so it never soils feathers or spoils.
Baltimore Oriole nesting and breeding
The female weaves a hanging pouch-like nest high in slender tree branches; never approach or search for an active nest.
Baltimore Oriole behavior and where to look
Usually forages high in foliage, moving through fine twigs and leaves for insects, flowers, and fruit.
Photography
Wait at a natural fruiting branch or flowering vine and keep clear of the bird’s route to any nest tree.
What to avoid
Do not leave old fruit or excess jelly out in heat, and never offer nesting string, twine, or other entangling fibers.
Continue exploring
Explore related bird guides
Compare food, habitat and nesting. Local seasonal records vary by species.
