New World Orioles in California: Species, Seasons & Where to Spot Them

If you live in California or are visiting the West Coast, you may have seen a flash of orange in the treetops or heard a sweet, whistling song on a spring morning. That’s likely a New World Oriole — one of the most striking songbirds in the region.

In this post, you’ll learn about the oriole species found in California, the best time of year to see them, and the top spots to catch a glimpse of these feathered beauties.

🐦 Which New World Orioles Live in California?

Several oriole species either breed in or migrate through California. Here are the most common ones:

1. Bullock’s Oriole (Icterus bullockii)

• Most common oriole in California
• Males are bright orange with a black crown, eye stripe, and white wing patches
• Females are pale orange-yellow with grayish backs
• Common in the Central Valley and foothills during spring and summer

2. Hooded Oriole (Icterus cucullatus)

• Often seen in southern and coastal California
• Males have orange-yellow bodies with a black “hood” on the face and throat
• Frequently nest in palm trees in urban areas
• Can be spotted from March to September

3. Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius) (Less common)

• Rare sightings in California, but occasional migrants or vagrants show up
• Males are deep chestnut-red with a black head
• Mostly found in eastern North America, but worth watching for during migration

📅 When to See Orioles in California

Most orioles are migratory, meaning they only spend part of the year in the state.

Species	When to See Them
Bullock’s Oriole	Late March – Early August
Hooded Oriole	March – September
Orchard Oriole	Rare – usually spring

🧭 Most orioles arrive in spring to breed and leave by late summer.

📍 Best Places to Spot Orioles in California

Want to find New World Orioles in the wild? Here are some reliable locations:

• Central Valley riparian areas – Great for Bullock’s Orioles
• Palm-lined neighborhoods in SoCal – Hooded Orioles love palm trees!
• Urban parks & gardens – Orioles are often found in areas with flowering plants and tall trees
• Yosemite Valley & Sierra foothills – Spring/summer breeding spots
• San Diego & Los Angeles areas – Good urban birding locations

👀 Tip: Orioles prefer tall trees, open woodlands, and backyards with fruit or nectar feeders.

🧃 How to Attract Orioles to Your California Yard

Want to bring orioles closer to home? Try these simple tricks:

• 🟠 Hang orange slices from tree branches or fences
• 🌺 Use nectar feeders (like hummingbird feeders with perches)
• 🌳 Plant native flowering shrubs and trees
• 💧 Provide a birdbath for drinking and bathing
• 🧵 Leave string or yarn scraps for nesting material

Once they discover your yard, orioles often return year after year.

❓ FAQs About California Orioles

Q: Are orioles year-round birds in California?
A: Most orioles are seasonal visitors, seen mostly in spring and summer.

Q: Can orioles and hummingbirds share feeders?
A: Yes — orioles will use similar nectar feeders, but they prefer wider openings.

Q: Do orioles migrate at night or during the day?
A: Orioles are mostly night migrants, which helps them avoid predators and fly in cooler air.

🔗 Explore More

• New World Orioles: Identification, Types & Species Guide
• New World Orioles: Song, Diet & Behavior
• What ‘New World’ Means in Bird Species Classification
• The Science Behind Bird Coloration in New World Orioles
• Where Do New World Orioles Live? Habitat & Range Explained
• Top Field Guides to Help Identify New World Orioles
• Where Do New World Orioles Live? Habitat & Range Explained

🌞 Final Thoughts

California is a fantastic place to enjoy the color and song of New World Orioles. From city parks to rural riversides, these birds add beauty and music to every corner of the Golden State. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, spring is the perfect time to head outside and look up — you might just spot an oriole in action.