How do I Attract Orioles? The Bird Shed Answers!

With the fall migration, we often get asked how do I attract Orioles to my backyard?  First you must meet its survival needs. Fortunately, it is easy to do so for the different species of orioles.

Eats: Feeding orioles is easy, whether you provide orange halves, grape jelly or yummy nectar. Planting berry producing bushes, fruit trees and nectar producing flowers are also ways to offer orioles natural food sources. And as always, feeders should be clean and in easily viewed areas.  Last but not least is to keep the food fresh to attract the most birds.

Drinks: All birds need water for cleaning and bathing, and orioles are especially attracted to shallow birdbaths and moving water. Choose a birdbath with a wide but shallow basin and add a bubbler or dripper to attract the most birds. A birdbath with orange decorations or a terra cotta design can also catch orioles’ attention.

Home: Orioles are shy birds that are typically solitary, though they may be found in pairs during the nesting season or in small groups after young birds have fledged. Offering protected spaces such as leafy deciduous trees and dense shrubs will make the birds feel more secure and welcome. Choose trees and shrubs that are native to your region so the birds will recognize them more easily, and opt for clumps of trees rather than solitary plantings.

Nesting: While orioles do not nest in birdhouses, you can encourage them to build their nests in your yard if you have willow, elm, oak, poplar, cottonwood or similar trees. To make the area even more attractive, offer nesting material such as pet fur, hair, or 4-6-inch lengths of yarn or thread for the birds to weave into their nests.
More Tips for Attracting Orioles

Plant flowers in orange hues in your garden near nectar producing blooms, or add an orange gazing ball for a burst of oriole-attracting color.

Keep oriole feeders separated from human activity and other feeding areas. These are shy birds that may not venture too close to busy areas until they are used to the setting.

Put oriole feeders out in late March or early April to attract the first spring migrants, and keep feeders out late into the fall for birds moving down from the north. This will maximize the number of orioles that visit your yard.