Baltimore orioles are beautiful orange and black birds that visit many backyards in the spring and summer. With their bright plumage and whistling calls, they add a splash of color and excitement. Many homeowners enjoy putting out feeders to attract hummingbirds and orioles. This leads to the question: will Baltimore orioles eat hummingbird food?
The short answer is yes, Baltimore orioles will readily feed on commercial nectar made for hummingbirds. Orioles need a high-energy diet during spring migration and breeding. The sugary nectar provides quick calories to fuel their active lifestyle. Once you get an oriole visiting your yard, it will likely come back day after day if there is a consistent food source.
Why Baltimore Orioles Are Attracted to Hummingbird Feeders
There are a few key reasons why Baltimore orioles are drawn to hummingbird nectar:
- High sugar content – The typical homemade nectar is a 4:1 ratio of water to white granulated sugar. This creates a sweet, energizing food source that orioles crave.
- Bright red feeders – Orioles are visually stimulated by the color red. Hummingbird feeders are often bright red to attract the birds.
- Convenience – Having an easily accessible and reliable source of food is beneficial for orioles during demanding parts of their life cycle.
- Water source – Orioles will drink water from nectar feeders, helping them stay hydrated.
In their natural habitat, orioles eat flower nectar, tree sap, fruits and insects. A nectar feeder replicates the flowers and sap that make up an important part of their diet. Orioles likely discover feeders when searching for blooming flowers that produce nectar.
Differences Between Oriole and Hummingbird Feeders
While orioles will use hummingbird feeders, there are some differences between feeders specifically made for each type of bird:
Oriole Feeders
- Usually orange instead of red
- Larger with bigger perches
- Often have a roof to shelter the nectar
- Some have a jelly tray for fruit spreads
Hummingbird Feeders
- Typically red
- Smaller with smaller perches
- Expose nectar to attract hummingbirds
- Focus only on providing nectar
The differences accommodate the larger size of orioles. Custom oriole feeders also allow you to offer fruit jelly, which orioles love. However, an oriole will not turn down a meal from a hummingbird feeder.
Best Nectar for Orioles
Here are some tips on making nectar that will attract orioles:
- Use less sugar – Orioles prefer nectar with a lower sugar concentration than hummingbird nectar. Aim for a ratio around 1 part sugar to 4 parts water.
- Avoid red dye – Red dye can be unhealthy for orioles. Make nectar with just white sugar and water.
- Change often – Oriole nectar tends to ferment faster with the lower sugar content. Change it out every 2-3 days.
- Provide insects – Consider putting out mealworms or berries too. Orioles need more than just nectar.
Following these best practices will create a nectar feeding station that orioles will visit repeatedly. You may also get visits from hummingbirds, tanagers and grosbeaks attracted to the sweet treat!
Oriole Behavior at Feeders
Here are some fascinating behaviors you may observe from orioles coming to your hummingbird feeder:
- Territorial – Male orioles will chase away other birds. They can be aggressive in defending a food source.
- Early risers – Orioles are most active at dawn and dusk. Expect their feeding routine to follow this schedule.
- Messy eaters – Orioles slurp up nectar in a messy fashion. They flick away the leftover droplets, scattering them around the feeder.
- Acrobatics – Watch for orioles performing acrobatic positions like hanging upside down to get every last sip of nectar.
Orioles are rambunctious, social birds. Having a feeder may also allow you to observe courtship displays and parenting behavior if a pair nests nearby.
Tips for Attracting Orioles
Here are some tips for bringing beautiful Baltimore orioles to your backyard:
Offer sweet nectar
Have feeders with sugar water ready by early spring when orioles first arrive. Custom oriole feeders with orange perches are ideal. Or you can convert a hummingbird feeder with orange tape or paint on the perches. Place feeders high in trees or under eaves where orioles like to forage.
Provide fruit treats
Try offering halved oranges, grape jelly, berries and other fruits. Platform feeders with fruit trays are tailor-made for orioles. Switch up the fruit options to see what your local orioles like best.
Get a water source
Orioles enjoy bathing and sipping water in addition to nectar. Have a fountain, mister or bird bath available. Placing it near foliage gives orioles places to perch and dry off.
Offer mealworms and berries
For a high protein, natural food source, put out dried mealworms. Live mealworms will also attract orioles. You can also offer currants, raisins or berry jam in small dishes or platform feeders.
Add oranges and orange decor
oranges sliced in half on platform feeders make a tasty treat that orioles will go for. Placing orange ornaments and decorations nearby may also grab their attention.
When and Where to See Orioles
The best times and places to spot Baltimore orioles are:
Spring migration
Orioles migrate north in April and May across the eastern United States. Migration starts earlier in southern states and reaches northern areas later in spring.
Summer breeding grounds
Orioles spend summers breeding across the Midwest, New England and Eastern Canada where there are open woods, forest edges and yards with trees. Females weave intricate hanging nests at the tree tops.
Fall migration
In September and October, orioles migrate south for the winter. They travel to Mexico, Central America and northern South America.
Wintering grounds
You can spot orioles in their warm southern winter habitats from November through March. Look for them high in trees feeding on fruits and nectar.
Conclusion
Baltimore orioles are a delightful sight in spring and summer as they pass through many backyards. With their piercing orange plumage and whistling song, they add excitement to the yard. Orioles will happily drink nectar from hummingbird feeders. With some small adjustments to make the nectar more to their liking, you can have hordes of orioles feasting at your feeders. Take steps like offering fruit treats, orange decor and a water source to make your yard as attractive as possible to migrating and breeding orioles. Observe their interesting behaviors and acrobatics at feeders. Then enjoy watching them flourish and raise young before heading south in the fall. With a little effort, you’ll be rewarded with a flash of orange every time an oriole comes to call.
