Robin vs Oriole: Jelly Feeder Showdown

by Joanne Knox
(Muskego, WI, USA )

Bird watching has a way of surprising you, especially when robins start competing over grape jelly meant for orioles.

The Surprising Feeder Battle

About a year ago, I got pulled into bird watching thanks to a few good friends who could quickly rattle off bird names, colors, habitats, and even their distinct songs.

I was fascinated, and maybe just a bit jealous.

While I've never gone on a full-fledged bird-watching expedition, I've found that sitting on my screen porch any time of day offers a front-row seat to nature.

I've seen blue herons, pelicans, orioles, and grackles-and, more recently, robins and Downy woodpeckers sparring over my oriole feeder stocked with oranges and grape jelly.

The other day, I watched a particularly large robin chase off a much smaller oriole trying to sneak a taste of the sweet grape nectar.

I began to wonder if I had a mutant robin. Don't robins eat worms? Maybe he was mistaking the jelly for plum sauce to pair with his worm tartare?

While pondering this, I noticed a Downy woodpecker hanging nearby, clearly uninterested in the squabble.

His focus was on the bright orange halves dangling above the jelly dispenser-there was no competition for those.

Out of curiosity, I consulted this birding website to understand this behavior.

Turns out, robins aren't as picky as I thought.



While they're famous for pulling worms from the ground, they also love fruits and berries.

Grape jelly is an irresistible dessert for them-especially since I've made it so easy to find!

The Feeder Dilemma

As much as I enjoy the robins' antics, I have to admit I'd prefer to see orioles at my feeder.

Their sleek black and orange feathers are stunning, and their graceful movements make them fascinating to watch.

Robins, by contrast, are sturdier, with warm reddish bellies and a more straightforward charm.

But this preference presents a challenge. Robins are relentless, often dominating the feeder and chasing off the orioles.

I started wondering if there was a way to create some harmony-or at least give the orioles a fair shot.

From what I've read, some bird enthusiasts suggest setting up separate feeders: one with mealworms or suet for the robins, and another with jelly and oranges for the orioles.

Feeders designed specifically for orioles, with smaller perches, can also help since robins struggle to land on them.



For now, I've scattered some berries and dried mealworms under the trees to give the robins something else to focus on.

The Jelly Craze and Unexpected Guests

The jelly drama doesn't stop with robins and orioles. It turns out that grape jelly is a favorite treat for several fruit-loving birds.

While I watched the robin and oriole argue, a Catbird swooped in for a quick taste when neither was looking.

Apparently, tanagers, house finches, and even grosbeaks might join the feast if you’re lucky.

For birds like these, jelly mimics the sweet fruits they'd naturally eat, making it an easy energy source during migration or nesting season.

Embracing the Chaos

Watching this lively cast of characters at my feeder has been more entertaining than any show on TV.

From the robin's bold antics to the woodpecker's acrobatics-hanging upside down to nibble on an orange-it's a constant source of fascination.

I'll admit, there's a part of me that wishes I could reserve the feeder for orioles, but I've come to appreciate the charm of all the visitors.

The robins, in their stubborn determination, have added an element of unpredictability to my porch observations.

For now, I'll keep feeding whoever shows up, tweaking my setup as I learn more about the birds' preferences.

Whether it's a Catbird sneaking a taste of jelly, or a Downy woodpecker performing gravity-defying feats, every moment is a reminder of why I fell in love with bird watching in the first place.

Is Jelly Safe for Birds?

Through the research I've done it is. Just make sure it is free from artificial sweeteners and colors, and made with little to no high fructose corn syrup.

Also, place it out in small amount like in my image.

Small birds like House Finches and Hummingbirds can get it on their feathers which can cause injury or worse. Use common sense.

Final Thoughts

So, if you're ever wondering why robins eat grape jelly, how to keep them away from your oriole feeders, or what other birds might join the jelly party, take it from me: your backyard has plenty of surprises waiting.

And even when things don't go as planned, there's always joy in watching the drama unfold.