Reviewed bird profile

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

The Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) is a slender, pointed-billed member of the blackbird family. Adult males are orange and black; females and immature birds are more variable. It forages high in leafy trees for insects, fruit, and nectar and builds a hanging woven nest.

Serve

Best foods

Insects and other natural invertebrates
Ripe fruit in small fresh portions
Flower nectar or correctly prepared sugar solution

Offer fresh food in small amounts and clean feeding surfaces regularly.

Plant

Useful plants

Regionally native fruiting trees and shrubs
Native nectar flowers
Deciduous canopy trees

Confirm regional nativity and growing conditions before planting.

Place

Best feeders

Clean fruit feeder
Clean nectar or oriole feeder

Provide visibility, nearby escape cover, and an easy cleaning routine.

Identify

Field marks

Look for a long pointed bill, sturdy body, and orange or yellow-orange plumage combined with black and white wing patterns. Use sex, age, voice, habitat, and range to separate it from Orchard and Bullock’s Orioles.

Nest

Nesting habits

Hanging woven pouch; commonly using Outer branches of tall deciduous trees. Typical clutch: 3–7.

Season

Movement

Breeds in eastern and east-central North America and migrates to wintering areas farther south. Migration pattern: Long-distance migrant between North American breeding areas and wintering areas in Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America.

Plan responsibly for Baltimore Oriole

Use this profile as a starting point, then confirm local range, seasonality, and species-specific feeding guidance before changing your yard.

View the AOS taxonomy record ↗

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