Baltimore Orioles in Pennsylvania

Baltimore Orioles are summer residents in Pennsylvania, 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; cold, snowy winters in the north and mountains, milder in the southeast.

Across Pennsylvania, 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.

Warm summers; bluebirds typically raise two broods.

• Baltimore Orioles don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as winterberry, black cherry, white oak for nest sites.
• Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.

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

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