Baltimore Orioles in New Hampshire
When Baltimore orioles are present in New Hampshire, when they nest, which native New Hampshire plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3b–6a yard.
- Status in New Hampshire
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–July
- Broods
- 1 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3b–6a
When to expect Baltimore orioles in New Hampshire
Baltimore Orioles are summer residents in New Hampshire, 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.
Humid continental, with the White Mountains dividing the southern lowlands from northern forest.
Nesting in New Hampshire
Across New Hampshire, 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.
Mild summers; nesting starts late May.
- Baltimore Orioles don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as eastern red cedar, serviceberry, winterberry for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native New Hampshire plants that attract Baltimore orioles
Of the regional native plants we track for New Hampshire, these 8 provide food or cover Baltimore orioles use:
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter.
Early-summer berries arrive exactly when nestlings are being fed.
Deciduous holly holding red fruit into mid-winter.
Fruit clusters persist all winter as emergency food.
Red fruit heads hang on through winter.
Acorns plus hundreds of caterpillar species for nestling food.
Summer fruit and one of the top caterpillar host trees.
Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.
Feeding Baltimore orioles through the New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire'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 New Hampshire year-round?
No. Baltimore Orioles are summer breeders in New Hampshire and leave for the winter.
When do Baltimore orioles nest in New Hampshire?
Nesting in New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire?
Eastern red cedar, Serviceberry, Winterberry, Staghorn sumac, Smooth sumac, White oak, Black cherry, American elderberry are native plants in New Hampshire that provide food or cover for Baltimore orioles.
Baltimore Orioles in other regions
Other backyard birds in New Hampshire
Sources
- Baltimore Oriole — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Baltimore Oriole life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Baltimore Oriole — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- eBird region overview and bar charts — New Hampshire
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- 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.