Bird enthusiasts may choose to invest in a feeder from a nature or garden shop. Many oriole feeders are trimmed in orange, their favorite color. (Photo by Leslie Milby)
Hummingbirds and their feeders may be one of the more popular bird niches, but if you are looking to cater to another fun-to-watch bird, try attracting orioles.
In Maryland, two main types of orioles return from the winter for breeding season.
The most popular is the Baltimore Oriole.
Their trademark black and orange feathers are named for the First Lord of Baltimore, Sir George Calvert, whose coat of arms were of the same color.
The second type found locally are the Orchard Orioles, who have a darker copper orange coloring.
There are several other Oriole species, but many such as the Bullock’s Oriole or Audubon Oriole prefer the drier temperatures of the western United States.
With both varieties, the males are more vibrantly colored with the females having more dull hues, though with every molt, the ladies get brighter and brighter. The males are also known for their singing, which resembles a flute type tone.
Where female orioles shine is the nest building. Choosing to nest up high, they are terrific weavers using whatever they can grab — grasses, stray string, horse hair, etc.
The nest they create hangs and droops down from the branches like a pouch. To help them out, leave some short pieces of yarn or twine, under 4 inches or so in length, outside for them to incorporate into their nests.
How can you attract and feed an oriole family in your own backyard? If you are already a bird enthusiast with a bright and colorful garden, you are in good shape.
Orioles are also tempted by bright colors and love any trumpet shaped flowers you may already have for the pollinators and hummingbirds.
Orioles also have more slender and pointed beaks that are great at nibbling on fruits, and they’ll feed on apples, berries and even bananas that may be out.
The bulk of their diet is a large variety of insects including caterpillars.
If you’d really like to attract Orioles in particular, it’s no different than bribing your children or husband, simply offer their favorite foods.
Orioles have a particular love for both oranges and dark grape jelly.
You can certainly invest in a feeder from a nature or garden shop.
Most oriole feeders are trimmed in orange, their favorite color.
Many also look like a little bird patio or gazebo, with a covering to protect the orange or jelly from rain and to help keep a bit of shade.
Some also offer space for a nectar as well as a spot to skewer an orange and fill with grape jelly, making it a bit easier to keep up with all your dinner guests.
If you are lucky enough to land both orioles and hummingbirds though, you may need to watch out for one group becoming territorial or blocking out the other.
Like with any bird feeder, keep nectar and fruits fresh and unspoiled. As the temperatures rise, your offerings will spoil quicker but that is also the time when the birds need the nectar the most.
Should you choose to offer jelly, make sure you select a natural variety with as little added ingredients as possible.
If you’re eager to feed orioles before getting a feeder, drop a halved orange in a suet feeder or even just dangle one by a string.
A small pot of jelly can also be stuck amongst your bright flowers.
