Bullock's Orioles in Alberta
When Bullock's orioles are present in Alberta, when they nest, which native Alberta plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 2a–4b yard.
- Status in Alberta
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–July
- Broods
- 1 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 2a–4b
When to expect Bullock's orioles in Alberta
Bullock's Orioles are summer residents in Alberta, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on caterpillars.
Continental — prairie in the southeast, aspen parkland in the center, boreal forest in the north and the Rockies in the west.
Nesting in Alberta
Across Alberta, Bullock's orioles typically nest from June–July. Nest site: hanging woven pouch. Females lay 4–5 eggs, incubate for 11–14 days, and young leave the nest after 12–14 days.
Warm, sunny summers with long days.
- Bullock's Orioles don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as smooth sumac, pin cherry, chokecherry for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Alberta plants that attract Bullock's orioles
Of the regional native plants we track for Alberta, these 8 provide food or cover Bullock's orioles use:
Red fruit heads hang on through winter.
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Fast-growing northern cherry with midsummer fruit.
Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.
White fruit and red winter stems; good thicket cover.
Red fruit persists until late winter when other food is gone.
Berry-like cones feed bluebirds, solitaires and waxwings in winter.
Early yellow flowers for hummingbirds, then summer fruit.
Feeding Bullock's orioles through the Alberta year
Weaves hanging nests in cottonwoods along western rivers.
- Best foods: Oranges, Grape jelly, Nectar.
- In Alberta's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Full diet breakdown for Bullock's orioles · Best feeder for Bullock's orioles
Frequently asked
Are Bullock's orioles in Alberta year-round?
No. Bullock's Orioles are summer breeders in Alberta and leave for the winter.
When do Bullock's orioles nest in Alberta?
Nesting in Alberta typically runs June–July, with 1 per season. Clutches are 4–5 eggs, incubated for 11–14 days.
What native plants attract Bullock's orioles in Alberta?
Smooth sumac, Wild bergamot, Pin cherry, Chokecherry, Red-osier dogwood, Highbush cranberry, Rocky Mountain juniper, Golden currant are native plants in Alberta that provide food or cover for Bullock's orioles.
Bullock's Orioles in other regions
Other backyard birds in Alberta
Sources
- Bullock's Oriole — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Bullock's Oriole life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Bullock's Oriole — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Alberta
- Plant Hardiness Zones of Canada — Natural Resources Canada
- 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.