How
to Attract Orioles
Icterus
cucullatus
Orioles are among some of the most striking summer visitors to the
United States. These birds can be shy and are regularly only seen
high in the treetops or flying from tree to tree calling his song.
However you can entice these birds into visiting your yard and feeding.
Description
Male Baltimore orioles wear the colors of the first Baron of Baltimore,
a colonizer of Maryland: black hood, back and wings and bright orange
undersides, rump and tail. The male's wings have a single, narrow
white wing bar. The male Bullock's oriole is similarly dark above
and bright orange below. While the head and throat are black, the
cheeks are orange. The white band on the male Bullock's wing is broad
and pronounced. Female Baltimore orioles are brown above and yellow
below with two distinct white wing bars. Female Bullock's orioles
are gray above, have yellow faces and throats with white bellies.
Feeding
Even though orioles may drink from hummingbird feeders, supplying
a specialized oriole feeder permits them enhanced access to the nectar.
As with all of these types of feeders make sure to clean it regularly.
At a least it should be emptied and washed every week. I like to hang
these from tree branches near a flower garden. The feeder I've had
the best luck with is a trouble-free hanging feeder that allows me
to put fresh cut oranges out, because orioles don't eat seeds. Not
only does this attract orioles but I've seen many other birds feed
off of this, in particular house finches!
Eggs
Orioles lay 3-5 white eggs, blotched with dark brown and purple, in
a basket of plant fibers with the entry at the top, hanging from palm
fronds or the branches of a eucalyptus or other trees.
Habitat
Orioles breed all over North America. A few winter in southern California
and southern Texas. Orioles initially favored streamlined vegetation,
but they have adapted to tree plantations, city parks, and suburban
areas with palm or eucalyptus trees and shrubbery.
Voice
Baltimore and Bullock's orioles are charming songsters with a rich
and clear melody. Different individuals can be recognized by their
own versions of short melodies. The birds are extremely vocal and
a treat to listen to. Orioles have learned to accept our presence,
but if you get too close to their feeding grounds then expect to be
scolded. Orioles have a distressed chatter that they are ready to
use on you when you just so happen to get to close.
