Bullock's Orioles in New Mexico
When Bullock's orioles are present in New Mexico, when they nest, which native New Mexico plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 4b–9a yard.
- Status in New Mexico
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- May–July
- Broods
- 1 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4b–9a
When to expect Bullock's orioles in New Mexico
Bullock's Orioles are summer residents in New Mexico, arriving shortly before nesting begins in May and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on caterpillars.
Arid to semi-arid, with Chihuahuan desert in the south and mountain forest above 7,000 ft.
Nesting in New Mexico
Across New Mexico, Bullock's orioles typically nest from May–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.
Hot, dry early summer followed by the July–August monsoon.
- Bullock's Orioles don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as smooth sumac, black cherry, american elderberry for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native New Mexico plants that attract Bullock's orioles
Of the regional native plants we track for New Mexico, these 8 provide food or cover Bullock's orioles use:
Red fruit heads hang on through winter.
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.
Scarlet late-summer spikes; a hummingbird magnet in moist soil.
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.
White fruit and red winter stems; good thicket cover.
Feeding Bullock's orioles through the New Mexico year
Weaves hanging nests in cottonwoods along western rivers.
- Best foods: Oranges, Grape jelly, Nectar.
- In New Mexico'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 New Mexico year-round?
No. Bullock's Orioles are summer breeders in New Mexico and leave for the winter.
When do Bullock's orioles nest in New Mexico?
Nesting in New Mexico typically runs May–July, with 1 per season. Clutches are 4–5 eggs, incubated for 11–14 days.
What native plants attract Bullock's orioles in New Mexico?
Smooth sumac, Black cherry, American elderberry, Virginia creeper, Cardinal flower, Wild bergamot, Chokecherry, Red-osier dogwood are native plants in New Mexico that provide food or cover for Bullock's orioles.
Bullock's Orioles in other regions
Other backyard birds in New Mexico
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 — New Mexico
- 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.