Why do Baltimore Orioles migrate form Michigan so early in the Summer?

Question

We always wondered this. My daughter and I love them but they leave so early! We just start seeing a lot of them at our feeders and soon enough they are gone to Mexico. Does anyone know why that is? It stays warm here through October but they start leaving in early August.

Answer 1

Don't quote me on this, but I believe that they migrate to go mate, which is done in response to the presence of food needed for the chicks.  The Baltimore Oriole usually migrates to where there are large trees.  It is more likely in tall elms, where it builds its nest. Their summer range extends beyond the Northeastern States into southern Canada. In the winter they go to Central America, South America and even the Caribbean.  Global Warming has caused orioles to decline because they have to migrate further north. This diminishes their ability to survive in their own habitat.

Answer 2

Caitlyn,

I'm not an expert, but have noticed that shortly after young can fly they stop coming to feeders. I did see two males today, so they are still in southeastern Michigan. None have come to our feeders in the past 3 weeks.