The Baltimore Oriole is a small songbird found in the eastern and central United States. It gets its name from the striking orange and black colors of the male’s feathers which resemble the family crest of Lord Baltimore. The Baltimore Oriole creates intricate hanging nests to lay eggs and raise young. Building the nest is done primarily by the female oriole and takes between 6-8 days to construct. The nests are expertly crafted using strong, flexible fibers to create a secure shelter for the eggs and baby birds. Orioles are resourceful in utilizing materials found in their habitat like strands of bark, grass, twigs, hair and even man-made fibers like string or yarn. Let’s take a closer look at how the Baltimore Oriole makes its remarkable suspended nest.
When Does Nest Building Occur?
– Baltimore Orioles arrive at their breeding grounds to establish a territory in late April or May depending on latitude.
– Nest construction usually begins in May or June.
– The female oriole chooses the nest location and does most of the building while the male defends the area.
– Nests are completed in 6-8 days but may be built in as little as 2 days.
– Orioles raise one brood per season with eggs laid soon after the nest is finished.
Where Do Orioles Nest?
Baltimore Orioles weave orb-shaped nests that dangle from tree branches. Ideal nesting spots include:
– Deciduous trees like elm, maple, sycamore, cottonwood.
– Open woods or forest edges that receive sunlight.
– River banks or open meadows with scattered trees.
– Backyards with mature trees.
– Nests are typically 10-30 feet high near the tips of hanging branches.
– Orioles favor trees over man-made structures but may use porch railings, fence posts or lights.
Nest Materials
Baltimore Orioles are excellent nest architects that weave together a variety of materials:
Plant Fibers
– Fine grass
– Shredded bark from trees
– Twigs, stems
– Horsehair, wool, string
– Milkweed, dogbane or vine bark fibers
– Dandelion stems
Man-Made Items
– Yarn or string
– Fishing line
– Plastic strips
– Dryer lint
Material | Properties |
---|---|
Plant fibers like grass or bark | Provide a sturdy base structure |
Hair or soft fibers | Used to create a soft lining |
Yarn, string, plastic | Strong and flexible to weave and bind nest |
Nest Construction
Building an oriole nest takes 6-8 days on average and goes through several stages:
Selecting a Site
– Female oriole chooses nesting tree and branch.
– Seeks a high, thin, drooping branch.
– Often reuses a site from a previous year.
Making the Base
– Begins by tightly knotting plant fibers to branch.
– Weaves a circular base around the branch.
– Anchors the base with twigs and bark strips.
Shaping the Pouch
– Uses softer fibers to form a hanging cup.
– Stitches materials together with her beak.
– Molding the nest walls up around the branch.
Lining the Interior
– Adds a thick, soft lining.
– Uses animal hair, dry grass, yarn.
– Finishing entrance hole on one side.
Final Touches
– Shell is firm yet flexible when complete.
– Water resistant and durable.
– Anchors nest to withstand weather and movement.
– Decorates with colorful yarn, feathers or trash.
Form and Function
Baltimore Orioles construct intricately woven nests that serve key functions:
Nest Feature | Purpose |
---|---|
Hanging pouch shape | Rocks in the wind to soothe nestlings |
Strong anchor and base | Keeps nest secured to branch |
Soft, thick lining | Insulates eggs and baby birds |
Woven plant fibers | Withstand weather and expands with nestlings |
Side entrance | Allows birds to easily enter and exit |
Time and Effort
– Female does most of the work over 6-8 days.
– Makes frequent trips to gather materials.
– Weaving the nest takes over 1,000 bites/pokes.
– May reuse nesting materials from old nests.
– Male assists by defending the site from predators.
– Both parents feed the young once eggs hatch.
– Nests support the raising of 1-2 broods each year.
Threats and Predators
Baltimore Oriole nests may be targeted by predators:
– Squirrels, raccoons, cats may raid unattended nests.
– Severe storms can destroy nests before young fledge.
– Brown-headed cowbirds sometimes lay eggs in oriole nests.
– House wrens may puncture oriole eggs when nests are close together.
– Orioles may defend nests by alarming, dive bombing, or recruiting others.
– Most nests successfully produce young if the parents actively guard the nest.
Conservation
To support Baltimore Oriole reproduction:
– Avoid trimming branches with nests April – August.
– Limit use of pesticides which reduce insect food sources.
– Keep predators like cats indoors.
– Install nest boxes where natural sites are lacking.
– Supply natural fibers like hair or string for nesting.
– Preserve standing dead trees which are prime nest sites.
Conclusion
The Baltimore Oriole is a talented architect that constructs intricate hanging nests high in trees. The female oriole takes on the bulk of the nest construction by expertly weaving together plant fibers over 6-8 days. The fibers are carefully chosen to anchor the nest to the branch while also creating a soft, weather resistant interior. The suspended pouch shape rocks to soothe nestlings while the durable materials withstand weather and expand to hold growing young. Orioles are resourceful in utilizing available materials which allows them to adapt their nest building to diverse environments. Careful placement and defense of the nest helps ensure their reproduction success across much of eastern North America. Understanding how the Baltimore Oriole makes its remarkable nest can help us support these colorful songbirds.