Sunflower seeds are a popular food source for many wild birds, and the blackbird is no exception. The term “blackbird” commonly refers to species like the European Starling or various members of the Icteridae family in North America, such as the Common Grackle or Red-winged Blackbird. These common backyard visitors readily consume sunflower seeds. The high nutritional content of sunflower seeds makes them a desirable food item for these birds, leading to their consistent presence at feeders.
Specific Seed Preferences and Consumption Methods
Blackbirds demonstrate a clear preference for certain types of sunflower seeds. The two main varieties offered are Black Oil Sunflower Seeds (BOSS) and Striped Sunflower Seeds. Black Oil Sunflower Seeds are typically preferred because they possess a thinner shell and contain a higher oil content, making them easier to access and more calorie-dense for the bird.
In contrast, Striped Sunflower Seeds have a thicker, sturdier shell that makes them more challenging for certain blackbird species to open. Blackbirds generally do not consume the seeds whole but instead employ their beaks to crack the shell, or hull, before eating the kernel inside. This shelling process is necessary to reach the nutritious kernel, where the majority of beneficial nutrients are concentrated. Some blackbirds, like European Starlings, may even find the harder shells of striped seeds difficult to manage due to their softer bills, prompting them to favor the easier-to-open black oil variety.
Nutritional Importance in the Blackbird Diet
The high concentration of fat and protein they provide drives blackbirds to seek out sunflower seeds. Sunflower seeds, particularly the black oil type, are an excellent source of energy, especially important during periods of high metabolic demand. The substantial fat content helps birds store the energy needed to maintain body temperature during cold winter months.
The protein in the seeds is also valuable for muscle maintenance, feather health, and growth, particularly during the nesting and breeding seasons. Sunflower seeds offer a concentrated energy source compared to the blackbird’s natural diet, which primarily consists of insects, earthworms, and berries. The seeds act as a crucial supplement, providing essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and various B and E vitamins.
Strategies for Managing Blackbirds at Feeders
Managing blackbirds at a feeding station involves either encouraging their visits or discouraging them from dominating the area. If the goal is to attract blackbirds, offering their preferred food in an easily accessible format is the most effective strategy. Platform feeders or ground feeders, which allow the birds to land and eat comfortably, are more appealing to these species than small, hanging tube feeders. Since blackbirds tend to prefer open spaces, placing feeders in visible locations also encourages their presence.
For those who wish to deter blackbirds and favor smaller songbirds, several strategies can be implemented. Switching the seed type to one less favored by blackbirds, such as safflower seed, is a common technique, as these seeds have a naturally bitter taste and thicker shell that blackbirds generally avoid. Another effective measure is to use specialized feeder designs, such as weight-activated feeders that close under the weight of a heavier bird like a grackle or starling.
Caged feeders, which use a wire mesh with openings small enough for chickadees and finches but too restrictive for larger blackbirds, also limit access to the seed. Additionally, altering the feeder structure by removing perches or using tube feeders with very small access ports can discourage larger birds that cannot cling easily while feeding. Offering only suet cakes made from pure rendered suet, which lack the appealing ingredients like peanuts that attract blackbirds, can also be a successful deterrent.