Oriole feeders are designed to attract colorful orioles to a backyard with their sweet liquid offering of sugary water or nectar. However, orioles are not the only birds that will visit an oriole feeder. Many other bird species are attracted to the sweetness and will happily partake as well.
What attracts birds to oriole feeders?
Oriole feeders typically contain either sugar water or a commercial nectar mix made for hummingbirds and orioles. This sweet liquid is designed to mimic flower nectar and appeal to the sugary diets of orioles and hummingbirds. However, many other bird species also appreciate sugary foods and will visit oriole feeders when given the chance.
In particular, the bright colors of most oriole feeders, especially orange, red, and yellow, will attract many nectar-loving birds that associate these hues with sweet flowers and their nectar. The feeders’ open design also allows easy access for birds of many sizes.
Common Visitors to Oriole Feeders
Here are some of the birds that are most likely to visit oriole feeders in addition to orioles:
Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are very attracted to nectar feeders, including oriole feeders. In fact, hummingbirds are one of the most frequent visitors to these feeders after the orioles themselves. Species such as ruby-throated hummingbirds, rufous hummingbirds, and Anna’s hummingbirds will happily sip at oriole feeders, especially if you live within their range.
Finches
Many finch species are eager to visit oriole feeders for a sweet treat. This includes American goldfinches, house finches, and purple finches. Their sharp beaks allow them to pierce through any feeding ports designed for orioles.
Tanagers
Summer tanagers and scarlet tanagers are two brightly colored treats that may stop by an oriole feeder, especially if you live within their range. They will visit more frequently during migration periods.
Woodpeckers
Red-bellied woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers, and other woodpeckers may also stop by an oriole feeder, more so in winter when their typical insect food sources are scarce. Their sturdy beaks make it easy for them to access the nectar.
Warblers
A number of warbler species, including the yellow-rumped warbler, may supplement their diets with sweet nectar from oriole feeders from time to time. They tend to visit more during spring and fall migration.
Grosbeaks
Evening grosbeaks, blue grosbeaks and other grosbeaks can also be attracted to the sugary offering at an oriole feeder.
Thrushes
Thrushes such as wood thrushes and hermit thrushes may stop at oriole feeders for a drink, especially during migration when they need extra fuel.
Vireos
A nectar feeding stopover can be appealing for red-eyed vireos, white-eyed vireos, and other vireos traveling through during migrations.
Kinglets
Tiny kinglets like ruby-crowned kinglets and golden-crowned kinglets may also supplement their diets with quick sips from an oriole feeder.
Waxwings
When Bohemian waxwings and cedar waxwings descend on an area during winter, they will take advantage of any sweet food sources available, including oriole feeders.
Mockingbirds
Mockingbirds enjoy a varied diet of insects, fruits, and seeds. They will also slurp down nectar from oriole feeders when the opportunity arises.
Catbirds
Like their relative the mockingbird, gray catbirds appreciate diversity in their diets and will visit oriole feeders for the sugary offering.
Chickadees
Black-capped chickadees, Carolina chickadees and other small chickadees can and will access oriole feeders, often clinging upside down or awkwardly sideways to reach the nectar.
Less Common Visitors
In addition to the bird species above, there are a few less frequent visitors that may make a stop at an oriole feeder from time to time when in the area, including:
- Blue jays
- Cardinals
- Cedar waxwings
- Nuthatches
- Starlings
- Tufted titmice
- Swallows
Discouraging Unwanted Birds
While many birds are welcome visitors at oriole feeders, some may cause problems. Larger aggressive species may scare away the orioles and smaller birds. Starlings can be a particular nuisance as they may take over a feeder. And birds visiting oriole feeders could potentially spread disease.
Here are some tips to discourage problem birds:
- Use specially designed perch or feeding ports that accommodate orioles while excluding larger birds.
- Place feeders in a more secluded location away from trees and fences where larger birds perch.
- Use feeders with weight-sensitive perches that only allow lighter birds.
- Apply temporary taste deterrents like hot sauce or aloe to nectar to repel starlings and grackles.
- Take down feeders periodically to disperse larger birds that have taken over.
- Clean feeders regularly with a 10% bleach solution to prevent disease spread.
Conclusion
Oriole feeders will attract an assortment of migrating and residential birds in addition to gorgeous orioles. While you may get more types of birds than expected, different visitors can make watching your oriole feeder even more interesting. With a few adjustments, you can control access so both orioles and other smaller birds can peacefully coexist at your feeder.
