The Short Answer
Yes, orioles will drink from hummingbird feeders. Orioles are attracted to the sugary nectar in hummingbird feeders, just like hummingbirds are. Providing an oriole feeder stocked with sugar water is a great way to attract these beautiful birds to your yard.
Do Orioles Like Hummingbird Feeders?
Orioles definitely like hummingbird feeders. They are drawn to the sweet nectar inside the feeders, which provides them with quick energy.
Hummingbird feeders are designed to attract small birds with their bright colors and sweet contents. So it’s no surprise that orioles, which have a taste for sugary foods, would be interested in a hummingbird feeder.
The main thing that attracts orioles to hummingbird feeders is the sugar water (nectar) inside. Orioles seek out sugary foods in the wild such as flower nectar, tree sap, fruits and berries. The sweet liquid in a hummingbird feeder mimics these natural food sources.
So while hummingbird feeders are made for hummingbirds, orioles also enjoy the sugary treat inside. They will happily visit any feeders filled with nectar, including typical hummingbird feeders.
Tips for Attracting Orioles to Your Hummingbird Feeder
Here are some tips to help attract orioles to your yard and hummingbird feeder:
– Use orange feeders. Orioles are visually drawn to the color orange. An orange hummingbird feeder will get their attention.
– Offer grape jelly. Orioles love fruit jellies. Put out a small dish of grape jelly near your feeder.
– Provide oranges, halved or sliced. Orioles will feed on oranges too.
– Play an oriole call. You can find oriole call recordings online to help lure the birds in.
– Have a water source nearby. Orioles like to drink and bathe in water, so a mister or bird bath helps.
– Be patient. It may take a few weeks for orioles to find a new food source.
– Avoid overcrowding. Separate feeders 10-15 feet apart to reduce squabbles.
What to Put in an Oriole Feeder
Here is what you should put in an oriole feeder:
– Sugar water – Mix 1 part white sugar with 4 parts hot water. Let cool before filling feeder. Do not use honey, raw sugar, or artificial sweeteners.
– Orange slices – Cut an orange in half or into sections. Skewer the orange pieces near the feeder.
– Grape jelly – Offer jelly in a small cup or smeared onto a platform feeder.
– Mealworms – Live insects provide protein to complement the nectar.
– Fruit – Try grapes, apples, berries, bananas, and other fruit.
Avoid anything with red food coloring or artificial dyes. Orioles prefer natural, clear nectars. The sugar water should be changed every 2-3 days to prevent fermentation and bacteria growth. Wash the feeder with a dilute bleach solution about once per week.
Differences Between Orioles and Hummingbirds
While both orioles and hummingbirds are attracted to nectar feeders, there are some key differences between these two beautiful birds:
| Characteristic | Oriole | Hummingbird |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 7-9 inches long | 3-5 inches long |
| Wingspan | 11-15 inches | 3-4 inches |
| Color | Orange, black, white | Metallic green, red, blue, white |
| Beak shape | Long, pointed | Slim, needle-like |
| Food | Insects, fruit, nectar | Nectar, insects |
| Behavior | Slow, graceful | Fast, darting |
| Nesting | Hanging pouch nests | Tiny cups of silk and spiderwebs |
The main differences are size, color patterns, beak shape, food sources and behavior. Orioles are larger, orange and black, eat more insects and fruit, and move slower. Hummingbirds are tiny, brightly colored, eat more nectar, and dart rapidly. But both will visit hummingbird feeders for the nectar!
Tips for Keeping the Peace at Your Feeder
Hummingbirds and orioles don’t always get along peacefully when sharing a feeder. Here are some tips to minimize squabbles:
– Use separate feeders for each species placed 10-15 feet apart. This reduces competition.
– Choose feeders with multiple ports so more birds can feed at once.
– Keep feeders fully stocked with fresh nectar so there is enough for everyone.
– Offer jelly and fruit near the oriole feeder to distract them from the hummer feeder.
– Use feeders with perches, as orioles prefer to perch while feeding.
– Consider a feeder with an oriole-excluding cage that allows hummers in but keeps larger orioles out.
– Hang a hummingbird feeder from a wire, as orioles prefer platform-type feeders.
– Be patient. With ample food sources, the two species will tolerate each other.
A backyard with both hummingbird and oriole feeders will allow plenty of feeding opportunities for these marvelous birds. They will work out a system so both get their fill of sugary nectar.
Conclusion
Orioles will happily feed on the sugary nectar in hummingbird feeders. Their appetite for sweets draws them to any food source resembling flower nectar or tree sap. With a few adjustments like choosing orange feeders or offering jelly, you can specifically attract magnificent orioles to your yard. They provide a nice change of pace from the tiny hummingbirds. Having both oriole and hummingbird feeders creates a lively show of these beautiful and unique birds feasting in your garden. Just be sure to keep the feeders stocked and spaced apart, and enjoy the show!
