The best feeder for Baltimore orioles
Put orange halves out the week orioles are due back — they stay where they find food on arrival.
Feeder styles that work
Orioles take nectar, grape jelly and cut oranges.
Easy to scrub every 2–3 days; built-in ant moat helps.
What to fill it with
- Orange halves
- Grape jelly (in small amounts)
- Nectar
Sizing the feeder to the bird
The Baltimore Oriole measures 6.7–7.5 in and weighs 1.1–1.4 oz. Perches, ports and landing surfaces need to fit that frame — too small and the bird can't feed comfortably, too open and larger birds and squirrels dominate.
Keep it clean
Scrub feeders every two weeks in hot soapy water, soak 10 minutes in a 1:9 bleach solution, rinse and dry before refilling. Rake up hulls underneath.
Frequently asked
What kind of feeder is best for Baltimore orioles?
Oriole feeder with jelly cups and orange spikes. Orioles take nectar, grape jelly and cut oranges.
What should I put in a feeder for Baltimore orioles?
Orange halves, Grape jelly (in small amounts), Nectar.
Where should I place a feeder for Baltimore orioles?
Put orange halves out the week orioles are due back — they stay where they find food on arrival.
Sources
- Baltimore Oriole — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Baltimore Oriole life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Baltimore Oriole — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
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.