Oriole migration and annual cycle
Where is the oriole migration now? This is a very interesting questions. Let’s discuss on it.
January
- The Baltimore Orioles kick off the year in warm areas. They gather in social groups among trees filled with food.
- Bullock’s Orioles spend the winter in Mexico. Some stay year-round in southern coastal California.
February
- Baltimore Orioles remain in Florida, Central America, and northern South America. Some begin migrating through Panama.
- Bullock’s orioles stay in Mexico, with year-round populations in southwestern California.
March
- Some Baltimore Orioles reach Mexico, while many remain further south.
- Bullock’s Orioles migrate through Arizona and California, with some starting to breed.
April
- Peak migration occurs from mid-April to mid-May for both species.
- Baltimore Orioles reach Texas, and some reach the central states by the end of the month.
- Bullock’s orioles migrate through California and Arizona, beginning to breed upon their arrival.
May
- Baltimore Orioles reach northern states and provinces, with peak nest-building activity.
- Bullock’s Orioles complete migration, reaching breeding grounds in the mountains and plains. Nesting peaks in May and June.
June
- Baltimore Orioles hatch and raise their young.
- Bullock’s orioles incubate eggs and care for fledglings.
July
- Baltimore Oriole fledglings become independent. Parents begin molting, and some start migrating.
- Bullock’s Orioles continue to raise young and begin molting. They leave drier regions by the end of the month.
August
- Peak migration for Baltimore Orioles occurs. Birds molt body and flight feathers.
- Bullock’s Orioles’ peak migration, with few remaining in northern areas. Some are still molting.
September
- Baltimore Orioles continue to migrate while molting.
- Bullock’s orioles complete their migration, with some still molting.
October
- Most Baltimore Orioles finish migration and reach their wintering grounds. Molting is complete.
- Bullock’s orioles settle in Mexico, except for California residents. Some are still molting.
November
- Most Baltimore Orioles live in the tropics, but some stay in northern areas.
- Bullock’s orioles winter in Mexico; California residents stay all year.
December
- Most Baltimore Orioles live in the tropics. Rarely, some show up in Christmas Bird Counts.
- Bullock’s orioles winter in Mexico, except for the permanent residents in California.
Baltimore Orioles range
- Breeding: Eastern and Central North America, from Louisiana to central Canada.
- Migration: Early April to late May.
- Wintering: Florida, the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America.
When will the Baltimore Orioles Migration arrive in your area?
- Gulf Coast: Late February to early March
- Southeastern U.S.: April
- Northern U.S. and Canada: By Mother’s Day
Tip: Use eBird to track real-time oriole migration. Prepare grape jelly, oranges, and sugar water to attract them.
