Wisconsin is home to a variety of bird species, but only one species of oriole is commonly found in the state – the Baltimore Oriole. Orioles are colorful songbirds found throughout much of North America. Here is an overview of the orioles found in Wisconsin.
Baltimore Oriole
The Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) is the only oriole species that commonly breeds in Wisconsin. Baltimore Orioles summer throughout the state and are found statewide during migration. They are considered common summer residents in southern and central Wisconsin. Their breeding range extends as far north as Douglas and Bayfield counties.
Adult male Baltimore Orioles sport brightly colored orange plumage on their underparts and rump. Their heads, backs, tails and wings are black. Adult females are yellow-orange on the underparts with an olive-gray head and back and white wing bars. Immature birds resemble adult females but are duller in color.
Baltimore Orioles favor open woodland areas, forest edges, river bottoms and parks. They build hanging pendulous nests at the tips of tree branches. In Wisconsin they are often found nesting in tall deciduous trees near water. Common nest trees include elm, maple, cottonwood and oak.
Baltimore Orioles are present in Wisconsin generally from early May through September. They arrive early to establish breeding territories and construct nests. Most migrating birds leave the state by early October. These striking birds add a pop of color and lively song to summer days.
Diet
Baltimore Orioles are primarily insectivores and eat a wide variety insects and arthropods. Important prey items include caterpillars, beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, spiders and more. They also eat fruits and nectar when available.
Orioles forage for insects in foliage, often hanging upside down or hovering while picking prey items from leaves. They also hawk flying insects. Fruit and nectar are taken while perched.
Backyard Tips
Baltimore Orioles are regular visitors to yards, gardens and bird feeders during spring and fall migration and summer. You can attract them by offering some of their preferred foods:
- Orange halves – skewer orange halves on tree branches or an orange half feeder
- Oriole nectar – offer nectar in special oriole feeders
- Mealworms – offer live mealworms in small dishes or platform feeders
- Jelly – grape jelly can be provided in an oriole feeder
- Fruit – try apples, bananas, cherries and other fruits
Placing feeders and food offerings high in open areas like large trees will increase their visibility. Having a water source like a fountain, mister or bird bath available will also help draw orioles to your yard.
Orchard Oriole
The Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius) is an uncommon to rare spring and fall migrant in Wisconsin. There are very few confirmed breeding records in the state, primarily from the far south. Most Orchard Orioles pass through Wisconsin in May during spring migration and again September-October heading south.
This smaller oriole displays a vivid russet red plumage on its underside, shoulder patches and rump. The rest of the body is blackish-brown. Females are yellowish-olive on the underparts. Both sexes show white wing bars in flight.
Orchard Orioles favor open woodlands, forest edges, parks and yards with scattered trees. They weave a hanging pouch nest in the outer branches of deciduous trees. Their diet consists mainly of insects, berries and nectar.
This species can be attracted to yards and gardens during migration using similar feeders and foods as those recommended for Baltimore Orioles. However, Orchard Orioles are much less common and more likely to be just a spring or fall migrant passing through.
Other Oriole Species
Two other oriole species are very rare spring or fall vagrants in Wisconsin. These include:
Bullock’s Oriole
Bullock’s Oriole (Icterus bullockii) breeds primarily in western North America. It is an extremely rare visitor to Wisconsin, with only a handful of records over the past few decades.
Scott’s Oriole
Scott’s Oriole (Icterus parisorum) is a southwestern U.S. species that is also a very rare vagrant to Wisconsin, represented by only a couple records.
These western orioles would be unlikely sights indeed for any Wisconsin birdwatcher. The Baltimore Oriole remains the only common and regular oriole species seen in the state.
Conclusion
In summary, Baltimore Orioles are the predominant oriole species that nests and summers in Wisconsin. Orchard Orioles pass through the state in small numbers during migration but rarely stay to breed. Bullock’s and Scott’s Orioles areextremely rare vagrants from western states. So for any Wisconsin resident hoping to spot an oriole in their yard or neighborhood, the beautiful Baltimore Oriole is by far the species they are most likely to see.
Species | Conservation Status | Breeding Range |
---|---|---|
Baltimore Oriole | Common | Statewide |
Orchard Oriole | Uncommon | Extreme southern border |
Bullock’s Oriole | Very rare vagrant | Does not breed in Wisconsin |
Scott’s Oriole | Very rare vagrant | Does not breed in Wisconsin |