Getting Close to the Orchard Oriole
| By Gary S. Locatelli
I had a surprise at my feeding when I spotted a bird I have never seen there before. At first I thought it was a robin, but then I noticed the white on the wing. AI identified it as two different birds, a Baltimore Oriole and an Orchard Oriole. Upon further investigation I found that it was indeed an Orchard Oriole. Here are some other things I found out.
The Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius) is the smallest and one of the most elusive orioles in North America. Here are some specific behaviors and characteristics that make this species unique:
Physical Characteristics
Size:
Smaller than the Baltimore Oriole, around 6.3–7.1 inches (16–18 cm) in length, with a wingspan of 9–11 inches.
Coloration:
-
Adult males: Deep chestnut body with black head, back, and wings.
-
Adult females and immature males: Yellow-green overall with faint wing bars—much more subtle and often mistaken for other species.
-
Juveniles: Look like females; males gradually transition into full adult plumage over their second year.
Behaviors
Foraging:
-
Primarily feed on insects (beetles, caterpillars, ants), spiders, fruit, and nectar.
-
Often seen flitting through tree canopies or hovering briefly to snatch insects or sip nectar.
Migration:
-
Strongly migratory. Arrive in the U.S. (especially the East and Midwest) around April-May, and head to Central America by late July-August.
-
One of the earliest orioles to migrate south, often leaving before other species.
Song:
-
A fast, chattering series of whistles and warbles, less melodic than the Baltimore Oriole but still quite musical.
-
Males sing frequently during breeding to defend territory and attract mates.
Nesting Behavior
Nest Type:
-
A deep, hanging pouch nest, woven from grasses, typically placed in the outer branches of trees like willows, cottonwoods, or orchard trees.
-
The female does most of the weaving and nest construction.
Breeding:
-
Nesting begins shortly after arrival in spring.
-
They usually raise one brood per year in the U.S.
-
Eggs are pale blue to whitish, sometimes lightly speckled.
Social and Territorial Behavior
-
Territorial during breeding, but less aggressive than some orioles.
-
Often nest in small loose colonies, especially if food and nesting spots are abundant.
-
Outside of breeding, they may forage in mixed flocks or travel with other orioles or songbirds.
Unique Traits
-
Despite their name, Orchard Orioles are more common in open woodlands, riparian areas, and edges of farmland than in actual orchards.
-
Unlike many bright songbirds, their subtle, earthy coloration helps them stay hidden in foliage—making them hard to spot unless you’re listening for their song.
Here’s a chart explaining the difference between Baltimore and Orchard Orioles.
| Feature | Baltimore Oriole | Orchard Oriole |
| Size | Larger: ~8.75 inches (22 cm); wingspan ~11.5 inches (29 cm); weight ~1.2 oz (36 g) | Smaller: ~7.25 inches (18.4 cm); wingspan ~9.5 inches (24 cm); weight ~0.6 oz (17 g) |
| Male Plumage | Bright orange underparts with black head, back, and wings; white wing bars | Deep chestnut (rusty-red) underparts with black head and back; more subdued coloration |
| Female Plumage | Yellow-orange underparts with grayish back; some streaking on the back | Greenish-yellow overall with two white wing bars; no black on head or back |
| Immature Males | Similar to females but with duller coloration | Greenish-yellow with a distinctive black throat patch |
| Tail Feathers | Orange outer tail feathers | Typically all black tail feathers |
| Song | Loud, flute-like, melodious song | Rapid, chattering warble; less melodic |
| Habitat | Open woodlands, parks, and suburban areas; nests high in deciduous trees | Open woodlands, orchards, and forest edges; nests lower in trees |
| Migration Timing | Arrives in mid-April; departs by mid-August; spends ~5.5 months in breeding grounds | Arrives in late April; departs by late July; spends ~4.5 months in breeding grounds |
How to Attract the Orchard Orioles
Wondering why this bird stopped at my feeder, I explored how someone could attract them to their feeder and here’s what I found.
Attracting Orchard Orioles to your yard takes a little planning, but it’s very rewarding—these birds are shy but beautiful visitors. Here’s how to make your yard or garden appealing to them:
Offer Their Favorite Foods
Orchard Orioles have a varied diet—especially during spring and summer. Here’s what they love:
Fruit:
-
Offer orange halves, apple slices, or grapes on platform feeders, nailed to tree trunks, or on fruit spikes.
-
Replace fruit often to keep it fresh and avoid attracting ants.
Nectar:
-
Use an oriole nectar feeder (like a hummingbird feeder but with larger perches and ports).
-
Mix your own nectar: 1 part sugar to 6 parts water (slightly less sweet than hummingbird nectar).
-
Clean feeders every few days, especially in warm weather.
Insects:
-
Orchard Orioles feed mostly on insects during the breeding season.
-
Avoid pesticides and plant native species that support caterpillars and beetles.
Jelly:
-
A small dish of grape jelly can be irresistible—but only offer plain, natural jelly (no artificial dyes or corn syrup).
-
Use only a small amount at a time, and remove it if wasps become a problem.
Use the Right Feeders
-
Oriole-specific feeders with fruit holders and nectar ports are ideal.
-
Platform feeders or small trays near trees also work well.
-
Make sure perches are large enough for medium-sized birds.
Plant Native Trees and Shrubs
Provide natural food and cover by planting, flowering and fruiting trees/shrubs like:
-
Serviceberry
-
Mulberry
-
Elderberry
-
Dogwood
-
Wild cherry
-
Tall shade trees like oaks and willows are great for nesting.
These provide berries, insects, and safe nesting spots.
Provide a Water Source
-
A shallow birdbath with clean water is essential.
-
Add a dripper or fountain—orioles are drawn to moving water.
Timing is Important
-
Orchard Orioles arrive in spring (April–May) and leave by late July or early August.
-
Start putting out food before they arrive—migrants are more likely to stop if they find an easy food source.
Keep the Area Quiet and Safe
-
Choose a low-traffic, calm area for feeders and baths.
-
Keep cats indoors and feeders away from thick brush where predators could hide.
Share
