Baltimore Oriole in September
Where Baltimore orioles are in September, whether they are nesting, and the best foods to offer right now.
September in the Baltimore Oriole's year
September is the peak of fall migration. Huge numbers of birds move south on cold fronts, mixed flocks form, and summer residents slip away almost unnoticed. Young birds making their first migration appear in places the species rarely visits.
For the Baltimore Oriole specifically, September is a fall 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 September
- Southern states
- absent
- Mid-latitudes
- mostly absent (migration only)
- Northern states & Canada
- absent
In September, 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 September
Baltimore orioles are not nesting in September. 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 September
- Tent caterpillars and gypsy moth larvae
Put orange halves out the week orioles are due back — they stay where they find food on arrival.
Migrants passing through may stop at feeders for a day and never return — September rewards watching closely. Natural seed and fruit crops are abundant, so feeder traffic can be uneven.
Full Baltimore Oriole diet guide → · Best feeder for Baltimore orioles →
Watching Baltimore orioles this month
Baltimore orioles are settled and predictable in September, 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 September?
In September, Baltimore orioles are absent in the South, mostly absent (migration only) across mid-latitudes and absent in the North.
Do Baltimore orioles nest in September?
No — Baltimore orioles typically nest May through July at mid-latitudes.
What do Baltimore orioles eat in September?
Tent caterpillars and gypsy moth larvae.
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.