Oriole Feeders
Orioles are migratory birds, that don't spend their winters
in the US, except for small areas in the Southwest. They do
spend the breeding season in many parts of the US, so this is
the time to be stocking feeders for them. In fact, it's best
to have a feeder available to them when they arrive in your
area, in many parts of the US by the first of May.
Orioles will migrate at night, so they may seem to appear
from nowhere in your yard. While they will feed on insects,
early in the season after the effort of migration, they seem
to be most attracted to feeders, with their high energy
nectar and fruit.
Orioles don't eat bird seed, so the feeders are different
from many bird feeders, resembling more a
hummingbird feeder.
These feeders will provide nectar (similar to
hummingbird feeders), but will also supply fruit or
jelly for the birds. Orioles don't have the long narrow
beak of hummingbirds, though, so a hummingbird feeder
with its bee guards will not typically work. Oriole like
to perch high, so hang the feeder from a tree branch or
the overhang on your house.
The nectar mix that is used for oriole feeders is often
colored orange, as are the feeders, in contrast to
hummingbird feeders, which are colored red to attract
hummingbirds. Adding food coloring to the nectar is really
not recommended. You can get the color to attract the birds
from the coloring of the feeder itself. The actual nectar mix
is similar to hummingbird food, often a mix of one part sugar
to 4 parts water. Grape jelly is often a favorite of orioles
as well.
Many oriole feeders are built to hold pieces of fruit like
orange and apple halfs. Just like hummingbird feeders, it's
important to keep the feeder clean and free from fungus or
other growing organisms. Replace the nectar solution every
few days, and keep it clean. Here are instructions on
how to clean a hummingbird
feeder. Be quick to remove spoiled fruit as well.
If you do manage to attract some orioles, be sure to keep the
feeder stocked as they will be quick to move on if the food
supply disappears for even short time.