Baltimore Orioles in Illinois

Baltimore Orioles are summer residents in Illinois, arriving shortly before nesting begins in May and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on tent caterpillars and gypsy moth larvae.

Humid continental, grading from the Lake Michigan shore and prairie north to the forested Shawnee Hills in the south.

Across Illinois, Baltimore orioles typically nest from May–July. Nest site: deep hanging pouch woven at the tip of a tall branch. Females lay 3–7 eggs, incubate for 11–14 days, and young leave the nest after 12–14 days.

Hot, humid summers; much of the state is farmland, so backyard native plantings matter.

• Baltimore Orioles don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as flowering dogwood, eastern red cedar, serviceberry for nest sites.
• Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.

Of the regional native plants we track for Illinois, these 8 provide food or cover Baltimore orioles use:

Put orange halves out the week orioles are due back — they stay where they find food on arrival.

• Best foods: Orange halves, Grape jelly (in small amounts), Nectar.
• Avoid: Large amounts of jelly for nestlings — offer mealworms instead once young hatch.
• In Illinois's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.

Full diet breakdown for Baltimore orioles · Best feeder for Baltimore orioles