Feral pigeons (rock doves) readily accept sunflower seeds as a food source. They are highly attracted to the seeds, but their ability to consume them effectively depends heavily on the type of seed offered. Pigeons strongly prefer seeds that are easier to handle and ingest.
Pigeons’ Dietary Preferences for Sunflower Seeds
Pigeons are primarily ground feeders and typically ingest smaller seeds whole or peck at larger grains to break them down. When selecting sunflower seeds, the ease of consumption is the main factor influencing their choice. The two common types are black oil and striped sunflower seeds.
Black oil sunflower seeds are smaller and have a thin, soft shell, making them easy for a pigeon to crack or swallow whole. This thin shell allows the bird to access the highly nutritious kernel with minimal effort. Pigeons show a marked preference for these varieties because they offer a quick and efficient energy return.
Striped sunflower seeds, in contrast, have a thicker, harder shell that is difficult for a pigeon to process. Birds often struggle to break this tougher layer and may ignore them for easier options. Experts often suggest offering hulled sunflower hearts, which eliminate the need for the pigeon to de-hull the seed. This provides a concentrated meal.
Nutritional Impact of Sunflower Seeds on Pigeons
Sunflower seeds are a high-energy food source, containing significant amounts of fats and proteins beneficial to a pigeon’s diet. Black oil sunflower seeds can contain around 40% oil, providing a dense source of calories useful during periods of high energy demand. The protein content also supports muscle development and feather growth.
The richness of the seeds means they are best offered in moderation as a supplement rather than a primary food source. A pigeon’s natural diet and commercial mixes are based on grains like corn, wheat, peas, and millet, which are high in carbohydrates and lower in fat. Excessive intake of high-fat sunflower seeds could lead to weight gain, potentially compromising the health of birds not expending much energy.
The high oil content, especially from black oil varieties, can also lead to digestive issues if consumed in large quantities. Although the seeds contain beneficial nutrients like Vitamin E and various B vitamins, a diet consisting predominantly of them can create a nutrient imbalance. Therefore, a blend of seeds and grains remains the ideal approach to ensure a well-rounded intake of necessary vitamins and minerals.
Practical Considerations for Feeding Pigeons
Offering in-shell sunflower seeds presents several practical challenges for the feeder. The most immediate consequence is the significant accumulation of discarded hulls beneath the feeding area. Since pigeons do not eat the hard shell, the discarded husks rapidly create a large, unsightly mess that may smother underlying grass or landscaping.
The presence of uneaten seeds and moisture-retaining hulls can attract unwanted pests and lead to hygiene concerns. Wet, discarded hulls and kernels provide an ideal environment for mold and bacteria to grow, posing a health risk to pigeons and other wildlife. Furthermore, a highly desirable food source like sunflower seeds will effectively attract and concentrate large numbers of pigeons.
This concentration of birds can lead to increased droppings and potential conflicts in areas where controlling flock size is a concern. To mitigate the mess and potential for spoilage, many people opt for hulled sunflower hearts. These are consumed entirely and leave no shell residue.