Tips for Attracting Baltimore Orioles

The month of May brings the return of Baltimore Orioles along with many other summer birds.  Orioles have quickly become one of the most sought after visitors to backyard bird feeders. I’m going to give you a couple of tips on attracting Baltimore Orioles to your yard.

Female Baltimore Oriole at backyard feeder (Photo: Karen Hance)

Tip #1: Oranges!

It’s no secret that Baltimore Orioles love oranges. Just place an orange half or two on a table, porch railing, in an Oriole feeder, or even on a nail on the side of a fence. It may take a little time, but if Orioles are in your neighborhood, they will eventually find their way to your yard. Be patient and replace the oranges as needed.

Male Baltimore Oriole on my Special Oriole Feeder (Photo: Karen Hance)

Tip #2: Grape Jelly!

Another secret to attracting Baltimore Orioles is that they absolutely LOVE grape jelly! Our Orioles actually prefer the jelly to the oranges, however, we place both out for their feeding pleasure. Place a small bowl of grape jelly in your Oriole feeder or on a table. Once the Orioles arrive, you will have lots of entertainment and wonder at seeing these orange and black beauties. Once they find it, plan on refilling once or twice daily.

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These two tips alone have brought us so much enjoyment as we’ve watched countless Baltimore Orioles at our backyard Oriole feeders. Attracting Baltimore Orioles is easy if you know what they like. We have had countless broods of babies raised and brought to our feeder as well. Orioles also make a distinctive sound as they are about to approach so keep your ears open and you’ll quickly learn their sounds. Their song is amazingly beautiful as well.

Male Baltimore Oriole in a tree (Photo: Karen Hance)

Suprise trick to attract Baltimore Orioles:

Did you know that in addition to oranges and grape jelly, Orioles also love Orange Marmalade jelly? Yep! They sure do.

Baltimore Orioles will even sip nectar from Hummingbird feeders. Sorry for the video quality, but I happened to be in the backroom when I saw these two beauties and couldn’t resist capturing it on my phone.

By adding these simple foods to your backyard feeders, not only will you attract Baltimore Orioles, but Gray Catbirds and American Robins as well. These birds love grape jelly as much as the Orioles. Try adding some red grapes and they will have a feast in your backyard.

Male Oriole on a fence (Photo: Karen Hance)

I hope these tips help you in your pursuit to attract Baltimore Orioles to your yard. Please let us know in the comments if you already have Orioles, how you attract them and if you have tried these or other tips. As always, keep those feeders filled and Happy Birding. ~Karen