How to Attract More Oriole Birds to Feeders

Orioles prefer sweet foods over nuts and seeds.

Northern orioles, common in U.S. suburbs, parks and woodlands, are favored for their bright orange, black and white coloring. Common bird feeders filled with nut and seed mixes attract bluebirds, nuthatches and other desirable birds, but orioles prefer sweet foods such as fruit and nectar. If your feeding station is effective at attracting other birds, you can add certain foods to attract more orioles.

Things You'll Need

• Grape jelly
• Orange and apple slices

Instructions

1. Cut oranges and apples into halves or slices and place them flesh side up in a dish-style feeder. If you have a tube-style feeder, place the slices on a nearby tree branch, balcony or windowsill.

2. Smear a generous dollop of grape jelly in a dish-style feeder or on a nearby structure.

3. Fill a nectar feeder with a solution of one part sugar and six parts water. This is slightly more diluted than the solution used to attract hummingbirds.

4. Remove and replace fruit slices and jelly every day. Replace sugar water twice a week to prevent fermentation and mold.

Tips & Warnings

• Use only white sugar in a nectar feeder. Honey or artificial sweeteners can harm birds.

References

• Project FeederWatch: What to Feed Birds
• North Carolina State University: Attracting Songbirds
• University of Washington Extension; Bird Feeding --- Tips for Beginners & Veterans; Scott R. Craven and Robert L. Ruff
• "Everybody's Everywhere Backyard Bird Book"; Editors of Klutz Press; 1992