Baltimore Orioles in Michigan

Baltimore Orioles are summer residents in Michigan, 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, strongly shaped by the Great Lakes; colder and snowier in the Upper Peninsula.

Across Michigan, 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.

A compressed nesting season; bluebirds usually manage one or two broods.

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

Of the regional native plants we track for Michigan, 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 Michigan's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.

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