The Baltimore Oriole

By Terri Estes

Relax, Yankee fans! This article is about the bird!

The Baltimore oriole is a stunning, brightly colored songbird. The male has a black head, tail, and wings, with white wing bars, while the rest of the body is a brilliant bright orange. The female has a more grayish head, wings, and tail, with a duller, more yellowish-orange body. They are about the size of a robin.

These migratory birds arrive in the New York City area in late April to early May to nest and breed. They winter in Northern South America, Central America, and Southern Florida during the colder months. The oriole prefers parklands and wooded areas to nest, and has a strong homing instinct, so they return to the same area year after year.

They feed on insects, fruits, and nectar, and are easily attracted to backyard feeders by placing orange slices or jelly in small bowls, surrounded by water to keep the ants away.

The oriole has a beautiful, distinctive, melodic song. Their song was described by an early 20th-century naturalist as “spilling notes of molten sweetness, as it shot like a ray of detached sunshine.”  And I agree with that statement. Nothing brightens my morning like the song of this little orange bird.

I have had a lot of success attracting orioles to my yard, and they are such a cool visitor. They will sing to each other from nearby trees and then pop in for a taste of an orange slice or strawberry jelly. Yes, they do have a sweet tooth!

The Baltimore orioles are prevalent in our area starting in the spring, and throughout most of the summer season. So, my advice to you is to attract them into your yard with their favorite goodies. You will not be disappointed!