Orioles are among the most beautiful backyard birds with striking orange and black plumage. Attracting them requires the right oriole bird feeder, The best oriole bird feeder offers a variety of food—nectar, fruit, and grape jelly. Look for feeders with bright orange colors, built-in perches, and little cups for jelly or fruit slices. Some all-in-one feeders provide multiple feeding options to attract more orioles.
Why Do You Need an Oriole Bird Feeder?
Unlike typical backyard birds, orioles do not eat seeds. Their diet includes nectar, fruit, and insects, making a specialized oriole bird feeder essential. These feeders are designed to hold nectar, jelly, and fruit, providing the perfect attraction for orioles.
DIY Oriole Nectar Recipe
Mix 1 part sugar with 4 parts hot water, stir until dissolved, and let cool before filling your feeder. Avoid adding food coloring, as it’s unnecessary and may be harmful.
Best Foods for Orioles
To successfully attract orioles, you must offer the right food sources. Here’s what they love:
- Grape Jelly
Orioles have a sweet tooth for grape jelly. Always use natural, unsweetened jelly with no artificial colors or flavors. A shallow dish or a jelly feeder works best.
- Oranges
One of the simplest ways to attract orioles is by offering orange halves. Simply slice an orange and place it on a feeder or nail it to a tree.
- Sugar Water (Nectar)
Similar to hummingbirds, orioles enjoy the nectar. Mix four parts of water with one part of sugar (without honey or artificial sweeteners). Orange-colored nectar feeders help attract orioles.
- Mealworms
During the nesting season, orioles switch to protein-rich diets, making mealworms an excellent food choice.
How to Select the Best Oriole Bird Feeder
When selecting an oriole bird feeder, consider the following features:
- Multiple Feeding Options
A good oriole feeder should offer spaces for nectar, jelly, and fruit.
- Bright Orange Color
Orioles are naturally attracted to orange. Choose a feeder with bright orange elements to increase visibility.
- Easy to Clean and Refill
Regular cleaning prevents mold and bacteria buildup, ensuring the health of visiting birds.
- Ant and Bee Guards
Sugar water and jelly can attract unwanted pests. Look for feeders with built-in ant moats and bee guards.
Do orioles need water?
Yes, orioles need fresh water for drinking and bathing. Adding a birdbath near your feeder can make your backyard even more inviting for them.
Where to Place Your Oriole Feeder
To maximize attraction, place your oriole bird feeder in a visible yet quiet area:
- Height: Around 7 feet off the ground
- Location: Near trees or shrubs for quick cover
- Shade: Keeps nectar fresh longer and prevents dehydration
- Away from Other Feeders: Orioles are shy and may avoid crowded feeding areas
What to Look for in an Oriole Feeder
- When choosing an oriole bird feeder, keep these features in mind:
- Bright Orange Color – Orioles are attracted to the color orange, so look for feeders with orange accents.
- Multiple Feeding Options – The best feeders offer spots for nectar, jelly, fruit, and mealworms.
- Easy to Clean – Hygiene is crucial to prevent mold and bacteria from harming the birds.
- Ant and Bee Guards – These features keep insects from invading the feeder.
- Durability – A sturdy feeder that withstands weather conditions and lasts for seasons.
Top Oriole Bird Feeders to Buy
Here are some of the best oriole bird feeders available:
Perky-Pet Oriole Feeder
- Features nectar ports, jelly cups, and orange fruit spikes
- Easy to fill and clean
- Bee-resistant design
Birdie Fruit Feeder
- Simple design for hanging oranges
- Affordable and effective
- Attracts multiple orioles at once
Ultimate Oriole Feeder
- Combines nectar, jelly, and fruit options
- Bright orange to attract orioles
- Durable and weather-resistant
How to Keep Ants and Bees Away
- Use an Ant Moat: Fill with water to prevent ants from reaching the feeder.
- Avoid Red Dyes in Nectar: These attract bees.
- Move the Feeder: If bees become a problem, relocate the feeder to a shadier area.
When to Start Feeding Orioles
Orioles migrate back in early spring, so setting up your oriole bird feeder at least two weeks before their expected arrival is best. In southern states, this is around March to April, while northern regions should prepare feeders by late April to May.
Why Aren’t Orioles Coming to My Feeder?
If you’re struggling to attract orioles, consider these tips:
- Be Patient: It may take a few years for orioles to recognize your feeding spot.
- Check Placement: Move the feeder to a more open area.
- Fresh Food: Replace nectar and jelly regularly.
- Avoid Competition: Keep feeders away from aggressive birds.
FAQs About Oriole Bird Feeders
How can I make an oriole bird feeder?
You can easily make a DIY oriole feeder using a shallow dish for jelly, an orange-colored base to attract them, and small spikes to hold orange halves. Hang it about 7 feet above the ground in a visible spot and clean it regularly to keep it safe for the birds.
Where is the best place to hang’s an oriole feeder?
Hang your oriole feeder in an open, quiet area near trees but away from high-traffic spots. Orioles like feeling safe while eating but need a clear view of their food. Avoid placing it too close to other bird feeders to reduce competition.
Are orioles smart birds?
Yes! Orioles are intelligent and have an excellent memory. Once they find a good food source, they’ll return year after year, so keeping your feeder stocked can turn your backyard into a favorite stop.
What fruits do orioles love the most?
Orioles love sweet, juicy fruits like oranges, grapes, cherries, bananas, and berries. Oranges are the best option because of their bright color and strong scent.
What color attracts orioles the most?
Orioles are naturally drawn to the color orange. Using orange feeders, ribbons, or decorations in your yard will help catch their attention.
What animals prey on orioles?
Hawks, snakes, squirrels, blue jays, and crows are common predators of orioles. To keep them safe, place feeders in open areas where they can see threats coming.
Do orioles eat seeds?
No, orioles don’t eat seeds. Their diet mainly consists of fruit, nectar, and insects. If you want to attract them, avoid traditional birdseed and instead offer fresh fruit, grape jelly, or mealworms.
Can orioles use hummingbird feeders?
Yes! Orioles will drink from hummingbird feeders if they have perches. However, they prefer oriole-specific feeders with larger perches and feeding ports designed just for them.
Why did the orioles stop coming to my feeder?
Orioles might stop visiting due to migration, predators, or a change in food availability. Keep your feeder clean and well-stocked with fresh food to encourage them to return.
When should I put out my oriole feeder?
Put your feeder out in early spring, before orioles arrive in your area. This will increase your chances of attracting them as they migrate north.
Conclusion
Investing in a high-quality oriole bird feeder can turn your backyard into a birdwatcher’s paradise. With the right food, placement, and patience, these stunning birds will soon visit regularly. Watching them up close is a delightful experience, making all the effort worthwhile!