Offering fruits like oranges is a popular way to attract diverse avian visitors to your backyard. Oranges, with their bright color and sweet, juicy pulp, can be particularly appealing to many bird species. Providing fresh fruit supplements the natural diet of wild birds, especially during migration periods or when other food sources are scarce.
Bird Species That Eat Oranges
Orioles, such as the Baltimore and Bullock’s Oriole, are well-known orange enthusiasts, frequently visiting feeders. These vibrant birds are drawn to the fruit’s sweetness and bright orange color.
Tanagers, including the Scarlet and Western Tanager, also show an affinity for oranges, often seeking them out during migratory journeys when insects are less available. Mockingbirds, like the Northern Mockingbird, are opportunistic feeders that consume various fruits, and oranges can be a welcome addition to their diet, especially in winter. Certain woodpecker species, such as the Red-bellied Woodpecker, also enjoy oranges, readily pecking at the juicy pulp. Other birds that may be enticed by oranges include Gray Catbirds, Brown Thrashers, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, House Finches, and Blue Jays.
How to Offer Oranges to Birds
Oranges can be offered to birds in several ways to maximize their appeal. A common method involves cutting the orange in half, either crosswise or lengthwise, and placing the halves on a platform feeder or impaling them on a nail or spike designed for fruit. Some bird feeders are specifically designed with spikes or cups to hold orange halves, making it easy for birds to access the pulp.
You can also use skewers to secure orange halves to tree branches, deck railings, or fence posts, ensuring the fruit is visible and stable for birds to perch and feed. Another creative approach involves hollowing out orange peels to create natural cups, which can then be filled with birdseed or pieces of fruit and hung with twine. When preparing oranges, it is not necessary to remove the seeds, as birds can either peck around them or safely consume them.
Important Considerations for Feeding Oranges
While offering oranges can attract beautiful birds, responsible feeding practices are important for their well-being. Always provide fresh, ripe oranges that are free from mold, as spoiled fruit can be harmful to birds. Ensure oranges have not been treated with pesticides or other chemicals.
Oranges should be offered in moderation as a supplemental food source, rather than a primary one, because birds derive most of their necessary nutrients from their natural diet of insects, seeds, and other fruits. Citrus seeds are generally safe, but remove large or hard seeds from any fruit to prevent choking hazards. Regularly clean feeding areas to prevent the buildup of mold and bacteria, changing out oranges daily, especially in warmer weather, as they can dry out or spoil quickly.