Want to attract vibrant orioles to your yard?

I remember the first time I saw a Baltimore oriole in my backyard—its fiery orange and black feathers glowing in the morning light. I had put out a makeshift feeder with orange slices, hoping to catch a glimpse of these elusive birds. That fleeting moment turned into a passion, and I soon learned that the right feeder makes all the difference in attracting and keeping orioles around.  Orioles have unique feeding habits and prefer specific types of food like nectar, fruit, and jelly. Choosing the wrong feeder can mean missed opportunities to enjoy their visits.

I’ve tested multiple oriole feeders, consulted expert ornithologists, and talked with other users to narrow down the best options. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned bird enthusiast, this guide will help you find the perfect oriole bird feeder to bring these songbirds to your yard.

How to Choose the Best Oriole Feeder

• Material & Durability: Look for feeders made from weather-resistant materials like powder-coated metal and UV-stabilized plastic to withstand outdoor elements.
• Feeding Style: Orioles prefer nectar, fruit, and jelly, so choosing a feeder that accommodates their natural diet is key.
• Ease of Cleaning: A dirty feeder can deter birds and spread disease. Opt for feeders with detachable parts and wide openings for easy maintenance.
• Visibility & Attraction: Bright orange feeders work best, as orioles are naturally drawn to this color.
• Capacity & Design: Consider whether you need a large-capacity feeder for multiple birds or a compact one for smaller spaces.

Different Types of Oriole Feeders

Combo Feeders – Multifunctional feeders that offer nectar, jelly, and fruit in one design.

Nectar Feeders – Similar to hummingbird feeders but with larger perches and ports to accommodate orioles’ beaks.

Jelly Feeders – Explicitly designed to hold grape jelly, a favorite treat for orioles.

Fruit Feeders – Feature prongs or dishes to hold orange slices, grapes, or other fresh fruit.

What do orioles eat?

Oriole doesn’t follow the single-food menu—their menu changes according to the seasons. Many orioles species are available in the United States and Canada, like Baltimore, Bullock’s, and Orchard Orioles, but their food habits are similar. They prefer not only nutrition but also the taste of a sugary diet.

In the fall and spring, they like to eat food with a touch of sugar, like grape jelly. But during the hot summer, they prefer mealworms more than other foods because they provide protein during breeding and grow younger.

To attract them to your feeder, try the following food option mixture.

• Mealworms
• Nectar
• Peanut butter
• Fruits
• Suet
• Grape Jelly
• Peas
• Cereals
• Oats

Reviews of the Best Oriole Feeders

If you’re looking for an easy and effective way to attract these brilliantly coloured songbirds to your yard, the Perky-Pet 253 Wild Oriole Jelly Bird Feeder is a fantastic choice. Designed specifically for orioles’ love of grape jelly, this feeder features a bright orange tray that immediately catches their attention. What sets it apart is the built-in stirrer, a unique addition that ensures just the right amount of jelly is dispensed into the feeding tray, preventing waste and keeping things fresh. Unlike many jelly feeders that require constant manual refilling, this feeder accommodates a 32-ounce jelly jar, significantly reducing the hassle of frequent replenishment. Plus, its versatile design allows you to use most store-bought jelly jars with a 2.5-inch opening, making refilling a breeze.

In terms of durability, the inverted jelly jar design is a game-changer. By keeping the jelly covered, it stays protected from rain, debris, and excessive sun exposure, preventing spoilage and attracting more birds over time. The wraparound perch ensures that multiple orioles can feed at once, creating a lively bird-watching experience. During testing, I noticed orioles flocking to the feeder within days, and user reviews echo similar satisfaction with its ease of use and effectiveness. Cleaning is also simple—the tray is wide enough for quick scrubbing, and the jelly jar can be swapped out effortlessly.

Compared to other jelly feeders like the Kettle Moraine Oriole Feeder, the Perky-Pet 253 stands out for its built-in stirrer and high-capacity design, making it a more convenient and mess-free option. If you want an easy-to-maintain, high-capacity feeder that orioles love, this is one of the best choices available.

The Kettle Oriole Feeder is an excellent multi-purpose feeder that caters to orioles’ love for fruit, jelly, and even mealworms. What makes it unique is its thoughtful, all-in-one design—featuring two removable glass jars for jelly or mealworms and two aluminum stakes to hold fresh orange halves. This variety ensures that orioles get a well-rounded diet while allowing birdwatchers to experiment with different food options. The bright orange recycled plastic base naturally attracts orioles, while the galvanized steel roof offers superior protection against rain, keeping the food fresh for longer. With a 14-inch roof diameter, the feeder provides ample coverage, making it a great choice for all-weather feeding.

One of the standout features is its build quality. Unlike plastic feeders that may crack over time, this feeder is made from high-quality recycled plastic, ensuring longevity. The glass jelly jars are easy to remove and clean, a major plus compared to some feeders with built-in cups that require scrubbing in tight spaces. During testing, I found that the sturdy wraparound perch and stable base made it easy for multiple orioles to feed at once. User reviews consistently highlight its durability and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. The only minor downside is that some assembly is required, but it’s a quick and straightforward process.

Compared to the Perky-Pet Jelly Feeder, the Kettle Oriole Feeder offers more feeding versatility but requires a bit more space. If you’re looking for a durable, multi-purpose feeder that allows orioles to enjoy different food sources, this is an excellent long-term investment.

The Birds Choice OFF Oriole Flower-Shaped Feeder adds a delightful, decorative touch to any backyard while efficiently attracting orioles. This dual-function feeder allows you to place orange halves on the two pegs above the feeding cup, and fill the 3 oz jelly cup, giving orioles plenty of options to feed. The vibrant orange color of the cup is specifically designed to draw orioles in, while the heart-shaped ornamental jewel adds a whimsical, eye-catching detail that makes the feeder a standout piece in your garden. This feeder is not just practical but also a fun decorative addition to your yard.

Constructed from durable polycarbonate and black powder-coated steel, this feeder can withstand exposure to the elements and maintain its functionality year after year. During testing, I found the design to be both sturdy and lightweight, making it easy to hang and reposition. The 3 oz capacity is smaller than some other feeders, making it ideal for smaller yards or areas where you want to control the amount of food, though it does require more frequent refilling than larger capacity feeders. The easy-to-use design ensures that cleaning and refilling are simple tasks. User reviews highlight its unique design and its ability to attract orioles, though some note that the small capacity means frequent refills.

When compared to the Heath Outdoor CF-144 Clementine Feeder, the Birds Choice Oriole Flower Feeder stands out for its creative, flower-like design and heart ornament. While the Heath model offers a larger capacity and more feeding options, the Birds Choice feeder’s charm and fun aesthetic make it a perfect choice if you enjoy adding a bit of personality to your bird-watching setup.

If you’re looking for a minimalist yet highly functional oriole feeder, the Heath Outdoor Clementine Feeder is an excellent option. Designed to offer a clear, unobstructed view of visiting orioles, this feeder provides multiple feeding choices—holding two orange halves, two cups of grape jelly, nectar, or mealworms. Also, water is essential, so you can even use one cup for that purpose. This versatility makes it perfect for attracting orioles with their favorite treats while giving birdwatchers an up-close experience.

One of the feeder’s biggest strengths is its durability. Made from UV-resistant, powder-coated steel, it withstands exposure to sunlight and rain better than many plastic alternatives. The removable glass cups make cleaning incredibly easy, preventing mold buildup and ensuring the food stays fresh. The feeder’s attached hanging chain makes it effortless to place in an optimal location, whether from a tree branch, pole, or shepherd’s hook. During testing, I appreciated how lightweight yet sturdy the design felt, and user reviews highlight its ease of maintenance and effectiveness in attracting orioles. The only minor downside is that the lack of a roof means jelly and fruit are exposed to rain, requiring more frequent refilling.

Compared to the Kettle Moraine Super Oriole Feeder, the Heath CF-144 is a more compact and affordable option but lacks overhead protection. If you want an open-concept feeder that makes bird-watching effortless, this is a fantastic pick for any oriole enthusiast.

The First Nature 3088 Oriole Feeder is an excellent choice for those who want to cater to multiple orioles at once with its 32 oz nectar capacity and 10 feeding ports. This feeder’s wide-mouth reservoir makes it easy to fill, while its patented two-part base ensures easy cleaning without the mess that some other feeders create. The orange base is designed to attract orioles, providing them with a large feeding area and easy access to nectar. The inclusion of a round perch design also makes it more comfortable for orioles to feed, allowing multiple birds to perch at once without feeling cramped.

What makes this feeder stand out is the innovative sealing ring, which helps prevent leaks—an issue many oriole feeders struggle with. The durable polymer construction ensures the feeder will last for years in all kinds of weather. During testing, I found that the easy-to-clean design made refilling and maintenance much more manageable compared to other feeders. Additionally, user reviews consistently praise its large capacity, effective leak prevention, and ability to accommodate multiple orioles without the worry of spillage. The S-hook included makes it convenient to hang the feeder securely in place.

Compared to the other Oriole Feeder, the First Nature 3088 is a better choice for larger flocks, thanks to its more generous nectar capacity and multiple feeding ports. This model is a top contender if you have a larger space or yard and want a practical, high-capacity feeder.

It is straightforward to clean and refill, especially with the wide bottle mouth. The sturdy design also keeps this feeder standing in any weather condition.

The fun fact about this feeder is that you can use it as a general feeder because both orioles and hummingbirds like to share their foods.

First Nature 3088 Oriole Feeder helps you to stay out bees and other insects from the feeder. But you’ll face a haul once they stick their heads into the port.

Though this feeder won’t make with high-quality material, it does its job perfectly considering its price and bird attracting capacity.

Pros

• Lots of songbirds can feed at once using ten ports and a 32-ounce nectar capacity.
• Keeps bees away
• easy to fill and clean
• Budget-friendly
• Orioles friendly color
• Round perch design and light-weight

Cons

• The slide-together base can break if not attached carefully
• Lack of built-in ant moat

Oriole feeder placement

Orioles are among the most attractive songbirds because of their beautiful look and voice. We birders wish to invite them to our feeder, so we purchase good-quality, oriole-friendly feeders and serve their favorite food. However, sometimes, those facilities aren’t enough due to oriole feeder placement. Orioles are shy and don’t like such a noisy area.

For this reason, they should Decide on an area where they feel more comfortable. It’s better to think like a bird and place their feeder near a green tree or shrub.

Also, it would be best if you remembered that after installing your oriole feeder, you would like to wait a couple of days to observe them on your feeder. Because Orioles don’t come the first time they visit your area and watch it, they take a few times and judge to taste the food by considering their safety.

How To Attract Orioles?

• Early Planning: Most birders make this common mistake. They wait for their arrival first and then place the feeder later. But if they don’t find your feeder at the beginning of spring, which means their arrival times, they won’t use your feeder later. So, Try to place a feeder in your yard in early spring to make a good impression.
• Colorful Feeder: You already know that orioles are attracted by bright orange colors rather than other colors. So, when trying to attract them, always go with an orange feeder. Also, try to use ribbon or surveyor’s tape on trees to lure them down from the sky. When they notice your yard offers their favorite food, they may decide to visit your feeder.
• Proper Food Menu: To satisfy them, try placing their favorite foods, such as orange, grape jelly, and nectar. You can also use the hummingbird’s nectar recipe for orioles but remember to keep the nectar fresh and avoid food coloring.
• Water:  All birds like to have a water source near their feeding station, and orioles are not different from those birds. Always try to place a birdbath beside the oriole feeder. Orioles also like the moving water sounds and slights, so if your birdbath has a bubbler, even better. But don’t make the basins too deep, which creates a problem when orioles are trying to drink or bathe.

How can bees and wasps be kept away from oriole feeders?

After placing an oriole feeder, birders commonly encounter bees and wasps because orioles’ nectar or sweet jelly easily attracts them. It’s hard to deter them from your favorite feeder, but following a few tips, you can easily keep them away from your feeder.

• Always try to clean your feeder twice a week and change the nectar every two days during the hot summer because Sugary food attracts more insects, like bees, than orioles. So, by Keeping your feeder clean, you can solve this problem.
• Finding a shady location for your feeder and sometimes changing the feeder’s location is enough to keep away bees. Also, try to keep feeders away from flowering plants.
• You can use bee guards on feeder ports to deter them, but this will not affect the oriole feeder.
• You can use oily substances to keep bees and wasps away. But it would help if you remembered it would affect bird feathers.
• Also, in the summertime, bees are looking for water. Try to use a water source near your feeder to drive them to the water source from your feeder.

You will also notice a similar problem when trying to feed hummingbirds, so you need to introduce a bee-proof hummingbird feeder to keep them away, along with taking the above steps.

How to clean an oriole feeder?

Birdwatching is a favorite hobby among many people but is also a responsibility. When birds visit your feeder, you must remember their safety and health issues. Therefore, you need to keep your feeders clean on a regular basis to keep them safe from disease. Let’s know how you can clean an oriole feeder.

First, it is recommended that you clean the orioles’ feeder twice weekly. To clean the feeder, First remove all the remaining food. Then, apart from using a dishwasher, you can also hand wash the feeder after giving it a hot water bath. Finally, your feeder is ready to refill, but wait until it is scorched.

FAQs About Oriole Feeders

After testing and evaluating various oriole feeders, the First Nature Oriole Feeder is the best overall choice due to its large capacity, durability, and ease of cleaning. It’s perfect for those looking for a low-maintenance, high-performance feeder. The Birds Choice Oriole Flower-Shaped Feeder offers beginners a simple and practical design. Whatever your needs, there’s a feeder that fits your space and attracts those beautiful orioles to your yard.

Which oriole feeder works best for you? Share your experiences in the comments below, or feel free to ask any questions you may have about setting up the perfect oriole feeding station. I’d love to hear from fellow bird enthusiasts!