Baltimore Orioles in Texas

Baltimore Orioles are summer residents in Texas, arriving shortly before nesting begins in April and leaving after the young are independent. Northeast Texas; migrates through the east. Through the season they feed on tent caterpillars and gypsy moth larvae.

Humid subtropical in the east and along the Gulf, semi-arid to arid in the west; long, hot summers and short, mild winters over most of the state.

Across Texas, Baltimore orioles typically nest from April–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.

Afternoon highs regularly exceed 95°F — nest boxes need shade or light-colored, ventilated construction, and water matters as much as food.

• Baltimore Orioles don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as yaupon holly, american beautyberry, coral honeysuckle for nest sites.
• Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.

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

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