Baltimore Oriole in December
Where Baltimore orioles are in December, whether they are nesting, and the best foods to offer right now.
December in the Baltimore Oriole's year
December is the start of the true winter season. Birds are settled into winter ranges and flocking behavior peaks — mixed flocks move through woods and yards together, and feeding stations become social hubs. Short days mean birds must find most of their food in a few hours of daylight.
For the Baltimore Oriole specifically, December is a winter month of relative routine, with the species settled into its seasonal pattern across its range. Across the 38 states and provinces where Baltimore orioles occur, what the bird is doing this month depends heavily on latitude — the details below break it down by band.
Where Baltimore orioles are in December
- Southern states
- absent
- Mid-latitudes
- mostly absent (migration only)
- Northern states & Canada
- absent
In December, Baltimore orioles are absent in the South, mostly absent (migration only) across the mid-latitudes, and absent in the northern states and Canada. That north–south split is the defining feature of this month: where you live changes which version of this bird you're looking at.
Nesting in December
Baltimore orioles are not nesting in December. The season runs May–July at mid-latitudes.
Outside the nesting season, Baltimore orioles put their energy into feeding and flocking rather than territory and young — which is exactly what makes them easier to watch and attract this month.
What to feed in December
- Winters in Central America
Put orange halves out the week orioles are due back — they stay where they find food on arrival.
Feeders are busiest at dawn and dusk as birds fuel up against long cold nights. Suet and other high-fat foods earn their keep this month.
Full Baltimore Oriole diet guide → · Best feeder for Baltimore orioles →
Watching Baltimore orioles this month
Baltimore orioles are settled and predictable in December, which makes this a good month to learn the bird's routine — same feeders, same perches, same times of day.
The state guides below show exactly where in your region Baltimore orioles are expected this month and which native plants hold them in a yard.
Baltimore Oriole month by month
Baltimore Oriole by state
Frequently asked
Where are Baltimore orioles in December?
In December, Baltimore orioles are absent in the South, mostly absent (migration only) across mid-latitudes and absent in the North.
Do Baltimore orioles nest in December?
No — Baltimore orioles typically nest May through July at mid-latitudes.
What do Baltimore orioles eat in December?
Winters in Central America.
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.