North Dakota · Orioles · Midwest
When to put out oriole feeders in North Dakota
Put feeders out by May 1. First arrivals typically show up mid-May — and orioles pick their summer yards fast.
Put feeders out by
May 1
First arrivals
mid-May
Peak season
late May through July
Take down after
mid-September
Feeders up from May 1 until mid-september.
The North Dakota oriole season
Baltimore and Orchard Orioles both thrive in North Dakota's wooded draws and shelterbelts — the state holds some of the continent's densest Orchard Oriole country in the southwest. The season is the shortest of any oriole state: arrival in mid-May, departure underway by mid-August.
Two oriole quirks are worth planning around. First, arrival day matters more than with any other feeder bird — orioles choose territories within days of landing, so a feeder that's already stocked can anchor a pair all summer. Second, the season ends early: oriole migration starts in mid-summer, not fall, so don't mistake the August quiet for a mistake on your part.
Oriole species in North Dakota
| Species | Status in North Dakota |
|---|---|
| Baltimore Oriole | Spring–summer breeder |
| Orchard Oriole | Spring–summer breeder |
The oriole menu: grape jelly, orange halves, and 6:1 nectar — a weaker mix than hummingbirds get.
Feeding guide Nectar calculatorFrequently asked questions
When should I put out oriole feeders in North Dakota?
Have jelly, orange halves, and nectar out by May 1 — about two weeks before the first birds typically arrive (mid-May). Orioles decide on a yard within days of arriving; a feeder that's already waiting often earns a resident pair for the season.
When do orioles leave North Dakota?
Earlier than most people expect — late August. Orchard Orioles start south as early as July, and adult males of every species leave ahead of the young. Keep feeders up until mid-september for the stragglers, and remember: a feeder never delays migration, which is triggered by day length.
Why did my orioles stop coming to the jelly in June?
They didn't leave — they changed jobs. While raising nestlings, orioles switch almost entirely to insects for protein and largely ignore jelly and nectar. Keep a modest amount available, and expect a noisy second rush in July when the fledged families return to sweet foods before migration.
What should I feed orioles?
Three things work: grape jelly in a small open dish (a spoonful at a time — it should be a treat, not a meal), fresh orange halves on a spike or rail, and sugar-water nectar mixed 6 parts water to 1 part plain white sugar — weaker than hummingbird mix. Skip anything dyed, and pull jelly in high heat when it gets sticky enough to foul feathers.
Nearby states
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