Few moments excite a North American backyard birder quite like the first brilliant flash of flame-orange high in the spring tree canopy! The Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) is one of the most celebrated migratory songbirds in eastern and central North America. With its striking contrast of fiery orange and deep velvet-black plumage, plus a rich, flute-like whistling song, the arrival of the Baltimore Oriole in May is a true highlight of the birding year.
Looking for wearable wildlife art or nature decor right away? Shop our Baltimore Oriole Collection here →
Baltimore Oriole Quick Facts & Identification
-
Scientific Name: Icterus galbula (Despite sharing a name with Old World orioles, it is actually a member of the New World Blackbird family, Icteridae!)
-
Plumage & Appearance: Adult males feature a glossy black head, back, and wings with a single white wing bar, contrasted by blazing flame-orange feathers on the breast, belly, and outer tail. Females and young birds display warm yellowish-orange underparts with olive-brown upperparts.
-
Song & Call: A clear, liquid series of flute-like whistles that rings out from the tops of tall deciduous trees like elms, maples, and oaks.
-
Official State Bird & History: The Baltimore Oriole is the proud official state bird of Maryland (and the namesake of the Baltimore Orioles baseball team!). It received its name in the 1600s because the male's orange-and-black colors matched the family coat of arms of Lord Baltimore, the first proprietary governor of the Province of Maryland.
How to Attract Baltimore Orioles to Your Backyard Feeder Unlike winter seed eaters such as the Northern Cardinal or Blue Jay, Baltimore Orioles have a legendary sweet tooth! In the wild, they feed high in the treetops on caterpillars, beetles, nectar, and ripe dark berries.
Want to bring Baltimore Orioles right down to your porch or garden? Here are the three most effective secrets:
-
Put Out Fresh Orange Halves: Slice a fresh orange in half and secure it to a dedicated oriole feeder or a tree branch in early spring just as migration begins. Orioles cannot resist the bright color and sweet citrus juice!
-
Offer Grape Jelly: Serve a small spoonful of simple grape jelly (free of artificial sweeteners) in a bright orange glass dish feeder. Once a pair of orioles discovers your jelly station, they will visit multiple times a day throughout the summer.
-
Hang Nectar & Moving Water: Orioles frequently visit bright orange nectar feeders (often right alongside the Hummingbird!) and love splashing in birdbaths equipped with a gentle dripper or fountain.
Master Weavers: The Famous Hanging Gourd Nest One of the most fascinating traits of the female Baltimore Oriole is her architectural genius. Over the course of one to two weeks in late spring, she weaves a remarkable, pouch-like hanging nest suspended from the thin outer branches of a tall tree. Using hundreds of plant fibers, strips of grapevine bark, grass, and animal hair, she ties and stitches a flexible basket up to six inches deep that safely cradles her eggs high above predators.
Celebrate the Baltimore Oriole with Original Art by jz.birds At jz.birds, we have captured the vivid flame-orange and black beauty of the Baltimore Oriole in detailed digital illustrations painted right at the computer in our studio—both as lifelike individual portraits and as part of our vintage naturalist Field Guide Series!
Explore our most loved Baltimore Oriole designs:
-
Wearable Birding Apparel: Showcase your love for spring migration with our breathable oriole shirts in our bird T-shirts collection, or stay warm on crisp morning walks with a fleece-lined oriole sweatshirt from our bird sweatshirts and bird hoodies ranges, paired with an outdoor cap from our bird hats collection.
-
Cottagecore Home Decor: Add a vibrant pop of orange to your sofa or sunroom with washable bird throw pillows and cozy bird throw blankets.
-
Everyday Accessories & Gifts: Protect your smartphone on the trails with a shockproof oriole phone case from our bird phone cases collection, or enjoy your morning coffee while watching the jelly feeder with a ceramic cup from our bird mugs range.
Ready to bring the jewel of the spring canopy into your everyday life? Explore our full Baltimore Oriole Collection here, pair it with other colorful garden visitors like the Eastern Bluebird and American Robin, or discover all bird species in our aviary!
