How to Select the Best Oriole Feeder

If you’ve ever tried to attract orioles, you know it can be tricky.

The bright songbirds are usually easy to spot in the trees as they flit from branch to branch looking for food and building their nests high above the ground. They’re a familiar sight with their black heads and orange bodies that contrast beautifully against the green leaves of springtime. But getting them to visit your feeder is another matter entirely!

In order to keep these birds coming back for more throughout the summer, you’ll need a variety of foods—and an appropriate birdfeeder. The best oriole feeders come in various materials including durable molded plastic, glass, wood, or metal elements. All will help ensure that your orioles return again and again during breeding season.

So let’s help you find the best oriole feeder for your backyard!

If you click on a link and then make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

Where Are Orioles Found in the US and Canada?

It can depend on where in the country you live. There are different species of orioles and they spend their time in different locations. There is the Baltimore Oriole, the Orchard Oriole, and the Bullocks Oriole.

The Baltimore Oriole is known for its bright orange color and black head with a white spot. This is the only species that doesn’t migrate to South America, but instead spends its winter months in Central America or southern Mexico.

In the summer months you’ll find the Baltimore Oriole nesting in the eastern areas of the United States and north into the southern regions of Canada.

In the summer, you’ll find the Orchard Oriole east of the Rocky Mountains. It nests close to houses or cottages, establishing its territory anywhere from five to ten acres. They spend their winters in South America—Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.

The Bullocks Oriole is the most common of all three orioles and they are found mostly in West Coast states, Texas and Florida. There are more Bullocks Orioles than there are Baltimore Orioles or Orchard orioles combined!

How to Attract Orioles to Your Backyard

We know that these feathered friends are seasonal residents, and so in attracting orioles we have to be ready for their arrival in early spring.

Birds are creatures of habit and usually return to the same place each year. Orioles build their nests high in trees, so use this information when placing your bird feeders.

If you want to get them to visit your backyard bird feeders, set up one or two stations with fruit or jelly at each one. Oriole feeders come in plastic, glass, wood, or metal elements, and all should include perches so that the birds can rest and eat at the same time.

They love to eat oranges and grape jelly is one of their favorite treats! One of the best things about having orioles in your backyard is their song. It’s a beautiful melody that tinkles through the air like hundreds of tiny bells.

Orioles are relatively easy to spot when they’re out in the wild because of their bright orange color and jewel tones, so if you see one, be sure to watch it long enough for your eyes to pick up on its many beautiful features. There is nothing quite like having orioles around during spring and summertime!

It helps to include a water source nearby as well as a variety of native flowers for food.

Where Are The Best Places to Put A Bird Feeder for Orioles?

The best places to put a bird feeder for orioles are near shrubs or trees, especially if it’s indigenous to your area.

Orioles don’t like feeders that are hidden away in the trees, so placing them away from these types of areas is the best way to guarantee your feeder will be seen. If your yard has mostly one species of tree, shrubs, or flowers, it will attract Orioles more.

Put the Oriole feeder near green deciduous trees and shrubs and keep your oriole feeder in full or part shade placed about 7 feet off the ground for best results.  The weather may cause the combination to spoil, and the feeder may be swung about by the wind, causing the mixture to spill.

What Are Some Common Types of Oriole Bird Feeders?

Oriole feeders are available in a variety of materials, including strong molded plastic, glass, wood, and metal components. Remember to factor in the elements when choosing a material for the feeder.

• Plastic feeders are inexpensive, and they can last a couple of seasons depending on the type of plastic used. A plastic feeder should be placed in shaded area to prevent the food from being damaged by the sun’s rays and to increase its longevity.
• The primary component of a glass feeder is usually a single glass element, such as a glass dish or a glass reservoir. Glass is easy to sterilize and reuse.
• Traditional materials for many feeders, such as wood, are frequently combined with glass or metal components. Weather-resistant woods like cedar and redwood can naturally endure the elements, so these are the most desirable species to use.
• Metal components, such as a glass dish holder or a metal spike to hold half of an orange, are common.
• You’ll need a sturdy bird feeder pole, too

When Should Oriole Bird Feeders Be Put Out?

Late March or early April is the time to put out your oriole feeders if you want to attract the first migrants of spring. Keep them out until late into the fall, and you’ll have the best chance of attracting the maximum number of birds.

And, they will remember your food source and return year after year.

How To Clean Your Oriole Bird Feeder

If the Oriole birds and you have been using the same birdfeeder for some time now, it’s probably filled with old food and needs a good cleaning. Here is a step-by-step guide to keeping your oriole feeder sanitary and beautiful for many years to come.

1. Make sure to take it down, clean, and let it dry before the new season starts.

2. Stack three or four bricks next to each other and place the bird feeder on top of them in an elevated area where you can easily reach underneath with a rag or sponge. This will help avoid unnecessary damage to your feeders when you clean them.

3. Fill a small bucket halfway with warm water. Add just a bit of dish soap and stir it to mix in the soap thoroughly.

4. Dip your rag into the soapy mixture and wring out any excess water from the rag, but make sure you have enough on there so that you can scrub off any dirt.

5. Scrub the feeder from top to bottom, making sure to clean inside the corners and ridges by using a small brush or toothbrush if you have one. If your feeder has perches, be sure they are all sanitary as well.

6. Rinse the soap off of the birdfeeder with a hose and let it air dry before you use it again.

7. Rehang your bird feeder in the high branches or elevated area where you originally found it to be at its best.

Oriole birds can be a joy to have around, so consider adding an oriole feeder to your yard this year! It’s as easy as hanging a bird feeder and watching the beautiful birds come to visit each day.

Best Oriole Feeders

So now that we know some of the songbird essentials and what orioles are attracted to, let’s take a look at some of the best oriole feeders.

Clementine Oriole Feeder

The Heath Outdoor Products CF-133 Clementine Oriole Feeder is a simple yet effective way to attract orioles to your backyard. The feeder resembles an orange half with its round shape, and its feeding ports hold 2 orange halves, grape jelly, nectar, or mealworms.

The durable UV-resistant powder-coated steel will last for seasons of use. A clear view of the orioles as they feed makes this bird feeder easy on the eyes. Glass cup removes for cleaning. Attached hanging chain makes setup quick and easy.

Perky-Pet 253 Oriole Jelly Wild Bird Feeder

The Perky-Pet Oriole Jelly Feeder is a great way to attract orioles to your yard. The feeder features an inverted jelly jar that keeps the jelly fresh and clean while keeping out rain and other elements. A unique stirrer inside the bottle dispenses just the right amount of jelly into each feeding port for orioles in all stages of development.

This oriole feeder comes with a 32 oz. glass bottle, making it easy to fill with any standard size jar of jelly or nectar. The clear plastic base has four non-skid feet to keep the feeder in place. The clear plastic cover allows you to monitor nectar levels and unscrews easily for quick cleaning when needed.

Twinkle Star Oriole Bird Feeder

A bird feeder that is designed to attract and keep orioles and other birds. The bright orange color attracts more birds, and the clear dome plastic baffle protects the food from rain and sun. It also keeps squirrels from eating bird food, which can be harmful to them.

This product has a high-quality plastic construction, making it able to withstand all types of weather conditions. It is very easy to fill with nectar or oranges, as well as clean. The orange powder-coated metal construction makes it look nice in any garden setting. Attract and keep orioles with this feeder!

FORUP Oriole Bird Feeder for Outdoors

Feeding your feathered friends is a great way to add color and life to your backyard. This oriole feeder offers a unique heart-shaped design that will attract more birds than traditional bird feeders.

It comes with a detachable bowl so you can easily clean it out when you need to, and the bright orange colors stand out against any backdrop. The metal hanger makes this bird feeder easy to hang up, and the 3 oz capacity means you can fill it up with grape jelly, nectar, or oranges for your favorite oriole friends.

Birds Choice Off Oriole Flower-Shaped Feeder with Heart Ornament

The Birds Choice Flower Oriole Feeder is a great way to attract Orioles and other birds to your yard. This beautiful feeder features a black powder-coated steel body with hearts cut out of the top, so it’s easy to see when the feeder needs refilling. The removable 3 oz jelly cup is dishwasher safe for quick and easy cleaning. Just fill with grape jelly or orange halves, hang from any bird-friendly location, and watch Orioles flock to your yard!

Conclusion

In conclusion, keep your orioles happy and fed by changing the food you offer throughout the summer. It’s a good idea to have at least three different types of bird food or feeders on hand so that as one type becomes less appealing to them, they can find another option more to their liking.

This is just one of many ways in which an understanding of how these bright songbirds think will help make feeding them easier for you all season long!

RESOURCES:

• http://www.birdhouses101.com/bird-feeder-placement.asp
• https://www.thespruce.com/bird-feeder-placement-386532
• https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/where-to-put-your-bird-feeder/