Baltimore Orioles in North Dakota
When Baltimore orioles are present in North Dakota, when they nest, which native North Dakota plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3a–4b yard.
- Status in North Dakota
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–July
- Broods
- 1 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3a–4b
When to expect Baltimore orioles in North Dakota
Baltimore Orioles are summer residents in North Dakota, 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 northern prairie with prairie-pothole wetlands and the Missouri River breaks.
Nesting in North Dakota
Across North Dakota, 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.
Short, warm summers with a peak nesting season in June.
- Baltimore Orioles don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as eastern red cedar, smooth sumac, bur oak for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native North Dakota plants that attract Baltimore orioles
Of the regional native plants we track for North Dakota, these 8 provide food or cover Baltimore orioles use:
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter.
Red fruit heads hang on through winter.
Drought-hardy prairie oak with large acorns and a heavy insect load.
Summer fruit and one of the top caterpillar host trees.
Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.
Blue fruit on red stems in early fall.
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.
Feeding Baltimore orioles through the North Dakota 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 North Dakota'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 North Dakota year-round?
No. Baltimore Orioles are summer breeders in North Dakota and leave for the winter.
When do Baltimore orioles nest in North Dakota?
Nesting in North Dakota 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 North Dakota?
Eastern red cedar, Smooth sumac, Bur oak, Black cherry, American elderberry, Virginia creeper, Wild bergamot, New England aster are native plants in North Dakota that provide food or cover for Baltimore orioles.
Baltimore Orioles in other regions
Other backyard birds in North Dakota
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 — North Dakota
- 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.