Bullock's Orioles in North Dakota
When Bullock's 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 Bullock's orioles in North Dakota
Bullock's 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 caterpillars.
Continental northern prairie with prairie-pothole wetlands and the Missouri River breaks.
Nesting in North Dakota
Across North Dakota, 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.
Short, warm summers with a peak nesting season in June.
- Bullock's Orioles don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as eastern red cedar, smooth sumac, black cherry for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native North Dakota plants that attract Bullock's orioles
Of the regional native plants we track for North Dakota, these 8 provide food or cover Bullock's orioles use:
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter.
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.
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Fast-growing northern cherry with midsummer fruit.
Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.
Feeding Bullock's orioles through the North Dakota year
Weaves hanging nests in cottonwoods along western rivers.
- Best foods: Oranges, Grape jelly, Nectar.
- In North Dakota'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 North Dakota year-round?
No. Bullock's Orioles are summer breeders in North Dakota and leave for the winter.
When do Bullock's orioles nest in North Dakota?
Nesting in North Dakota 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 North Dakota?
Eastern red cedar, Smooth sumac, Black cherry, American elderberry, Virginia creeper, Wild bergamot, Pin cherry, Chokecherry are native plants in North Dakota that provide food or cover for Bullock's orioles.
Bullock's Orioles in other regions
Other backyard birds in North Dakota
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 — 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.