Best Oriole Bird Feeder to Attract Colorful Visitors
Why Orioles Need a Special Feeder
Thinking about adding an oriole bird feeder to your backyard? Good call — but orioles aren’t like your typical seed-eating visitors.
These bright, beautiful birds have different feeding habits that require a little extra thought.
Orioles are fruit and nectar lovers. They swoop in for juicy oranges, sweet grape jelly, and homemade nectar, rather than sunflower seeds or millet.
That means the usual finch or cardinal feeders won’t cut it. If you want to attract them (and keep them coming back), you’ll need a feeder designed just for them — one that feels familiar, safe, and easy to access.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
- Why orioles need their own special feeders (hint: it’s not just about the food)
- What features to look for when choosing an oriole bird feeder
- The different types of feeders orioles love most
- The best foods to tempt these colorful visitors into your backyard
- How to place your feeder for the best results
- Tips for making your yard an oriole-friendly paradise
And trust me, when that first flash of brilliant orange lands on your feeder, you’ll be glad you made the effort.
What to Look for in an Oriole Bird Feeder
Not all feeders are created equal — especially if you’re hoping to welcome orioles.
Here’s what you’ll want to keep an eye out for:
- Nectar Stations: Look for feeders that have little nectar wells, similar to hummingbird feeders but with slightly bigger ports.
- Fruit Trays or Spikes: Orioles adore fresh fruit, especially oranges. Some feeders have built-in spikes for fruit halves.
- Bright Colors: Orioles are naturally drawn to bright oranges and reds. A colorful feeder works like a welcome sign!
- Easy Cleaning: Sticky fruit and jelly can get messy fast. Choose feeders that come apart easily for a quick rinse.
Pro Tip:
Avoid feeders with very tiny ports designed for hummingbirds — orioles have sturdier beaks and prefer slightly larger access points.
Types of Oriole Feeders
When it comes to picking the perfect oriole bird feeder, you’ve got a few great options:
- Nectar Feeders:
Similar to hummingbird feeders but bigger and sturdier. Perfect for offering homemade nectar. - Jelly Feeders:
Simple cups or trays designed to hold grape jelly — an oriole favorite! - Fruit Spike Feeders:
Feeders that feature little spikes where you can mount fresh orange halves, apples, or even berries.
Helpful Tip:
Many orioles love a combo setup — a little nectar, a little fruit, a little jelly. A feeder that offers multiple food options in one spot can be a total game-changer.
Best Foods to Attract Orioles
If you want to turn your yard into an oriole hotspot, stock up on their favorites:
- Orange Halves:
Fresh, juicy oranges are basically irresistible to orioles. Cut them in half and skewer them onto a spike or tray. - Grape Jelly:
Simple, inexpensive grape jelly (not preserves or fancy blends) is a major hit. Offer it in a small dish or built-in jelly cup. - Homemade Nectar:
Mix 4 parts water to 1 part sugar — no dyes needed. Orioles will love the sweetness, especially during migration seasons when energy demands are high.
Real-Life Tip:
In my own backyard, the first orioles always showed up faster when I hung out fresh oranges along with the feeder — sometimes within hours after putting them out!
Where to Place Your Oriole Bird Feeder
Location, location, location — it matters a lot when you’re trying to tempt in orioles.
- Open Spaces: Orioles prefer feeders hung in the open where they can spot them easily while flying overhead.
- Partial Shade: A bit of dappled shade keeps fruit and nectar from spoiling too quickly.
- High Visibility: Bright feeders plus an open view from the sky = faster visits. Avoid tucking the feeder deep into heavy shrubs.
Privacy Tip:
Place your oriole bird feeder at least 5–6 feet off the ground and away from heavy squirrel or cat traffic. Orioles are confident flyers but prefer safe, easy-to-reach spots.
Our Favorite Oriole Bird Feeders for Backyard Setups
Here are a few cozy, colorful picks that orioles (and backyard bird lovers) rave about:
1. Birds Choice Oriole-Fest Feeder
A bright orange double-duty feeder with spots for nectar, jelly, and fruit all in one.
Pros:
- Offers multiple food types
- Super easy to clean
- Sturdy design, weather resistant
Cons:
- Smaller nectar capacity than some single-purpose feeders
2. Heath Outdoor Products Clementine Oriole Feeder
Simple and charming, this feeder holds two orange halves and a small jelly cup.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Perfect starter feeder
- Bright color attracts orioles fast
Cons:
- Limited food space if you have lots of visitors
3. Perky-Pet Oriole Jelly Feeder
Designed just for grape jelly lovers! This little gem makes it easy to refill and easy to clean.
Pros:
- Clear jelly reservoir so you can see when it’s low
- Built-in perches for easy feeding
- Simple and durable
Cons:
- Not designed for nectar feeding
Tips for Creating an Oriole-Friendly Habitat
If you really want to roll out the welcome mat for orioles, think beyond just the feeder:
- Plant Trumpet Vines: Orioles love the nectar from these bright, tubular flowers.
- Offer Shallow Birdbaths: A small, fresh water source makes your yard even more inviting.
- Skip the Pesticides: Orioles also eat insects, especially when feeding their young. A pesticide-free yard is safer for them — and better for your whole backyard ecosystem.
Helpful Tip:
If you have the space, cluster your oriole feeder, birdbath, and flowering plants within sight of each other. Orioles are more likely to stay longer if everything they need is close by.
Helpful Resources
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology — Oriole ID and feeding tips
- Unique Bird Feeder for a Charming Backyard
How to Turn Your Backyard into an Oriole Retreat
Putting up an oriole bird feeder is a great start. But if you really want to roll out the welcome mat for these colorful visitors, there are a few simple things you can do to make your yard even more inviting.
First, think about planting a few nectar-rich flowers like trumpet vines or honeysuckle. Orioles can’t resist those bright, tubular blooms — it’s like setting up a natural buffet just for them.
Then, add a birdbath if you can. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy — even a shallow dish of fresh water will do the trick. Orioles love having a safe, easy spot to grab a quick drink or cool off on hot days.
And here’s a little tip that makes a big difference: try to keep things pesticide-free. Orioles snack on insects too (especially when they’re feeding their babies), and a healthy, chemical-free yard helps them — and everything else that lives there — thrive.
If you can, cluster your feeder, flowers, and birdbath close together. When everything they need is in one cozy spot, orioles are way more likely to stick around — and once they feel at home, they’ll keep coming back season after season.
