Manitoba · Summer breeder

Baltimore Orioles in Manitoba

When Baltimore orioles are present in Manitoba, when they nest, which native Manitoba plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 1a–3b yard.

Blackbirds (Icteridae)Baltimore OrioleIcterus galbula
Status in Manitoba
Summer breeder
Nesting window
June–July
Broods
1 per season
Hardiness zones
Canada 1a–3b

When to expect Baltimore orioles in Manitoba

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

Continental, from prairie in the southwest to boreal forest and Hudson Bay tundra in the north.

Nesting in Manitoba

Across Manitoba, Baltimore orioles typically nest from June–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.

Warm summers with a short, intense nesting season.

  • Baltimore Orioles don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as smooth sumac, bur oak, american elderberry for nest sites.
  • Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.

Native Manitoba plants that attract Baltimore orioles

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

Smooth sumac
Rhus glabra · Shrub

Red fruit heads hang on through winter.

Bur oak
Quercus macrocarpa · Tree

Drought-hardy prairie oak with large acorns and a heavy insect load.

American elderberry
Sambucus canadensis · Shrub

Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.

Virginia creeper
Parthenocissus quinquefolia · Vine

Blue fruit on red stems in early fall.

Wild bergamot
Monarda fistulosa · Perennial

Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.

New England aster
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae · Perennial

Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.

Tall goldenrod
Solidago altissima · Perennial

Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.

Eastern white pine
Pinus strobus · Tree

Seed-rich cones and year-round shelter.

Feeding Baltimore orioles through the Manitoba year

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 Manitoba's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.

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

Frequently asked

Are Baltimore orioles in Manitoba year-round?

No. Baltimore Orioles are summer breeders in Manitoba and leave for the winter.

When do Baltimore orioles nest in Manitoba?

Nesting in Manitoba typically runs June–July, with 1 per season. Clutches are 3–7 eggs, incubated for 11–14 days.

What native plants attract Baltimore orioles in Manitoba?

Smooth sumac, Bur oak, American elderberry, Virginia creeper, Wild bergamot, New England aster, Tall goldenrod, Eastern white pine are native plants in Manitoba that provide food or cover for Baltimore orioles.

Baltimore Orioles in other regions

Other backyard birds in Manitoba

Sources

  1. Baltimore Oriole — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  2. Baltimore Oriole life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  3. Baltimore Oriole — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
  4. eBird region overview and bar charts — Manitoba
  5. Plant Hardiness Zones of Canada — Natural Resources Canada
  6. Audubon Native Plants Database

Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.