When sunflower seeds vanish from outdoor feeders overnight, it often sparks curiosity about which animals might be responsible. Identifying these nocturnal visitors involves understanding their habits and the tell-tale signs they leave behind.
Common Nocturnal Seed Eaters
Several animals are frequently found raiding sunflower seeds at night due to their omnivorous diets and nocturnal behaviors. Rodents, such as mice and rats, are common culprits, attracted to the grains and seeds found in bird feeders. They can easily climb poles or wires to reach elevated feeders. These small mammals will also consume spilled seeds on the ground.
Larger mammals also partake in night-time seed scavenging. Raccoons, known for their dexterity and opportunistic feeding habits, are strong climbers and will readily eat sunflower seeds, corn, and other foods placed for birds.
Opossums are another common nocturnal visitor, often drawn to bird feeders. These marsupials are scavengers and will consume a variety of foods. Skunks, which are omnivores, also eat sunflower seeds and other bird seed, relying on their keen sense of smell to locate food.
Identifying Your Nighttime Visitors
Observing specific clues can help determine which animal is consuming your sunflower seeds at night. The type and size of animal droppings found near the feeder can provide significant insight. Small, pellet-like droppings, often with pointed ends, indicate mice or rats. Squirrel droppings are similar but can be slightly bulkier.
Larger, tubular droppings, which may contain undigested seeds or fruit, could point to raccoons. Raccoon droppings are often found in communal latrines.
Skunk droppings are tubular with blunt ends and commonly contain insect parts, seeds, or berries. Opossum droppings are tapering at the ends.
Damage to the feeder itself can also be indicative; raccoons are known to bend or destroy feeders to access food. Small, shallow holes in your lawn can be a sign of skunks digging for grubs and other insects.
Less Common Seed Eaters
While less frequent than the primary culprits, other animals might occasionally consume sunflower seeds at night. Deer are drawn to sunflower seeds as a rich energy source. They are most active at dawn and dusk, but will also forage at night. However, sunflower hulls can be harmful to deer if ingested in large quantities.
Certain bird species, particularly crepuscular or nocturnal ones, might also partake in seeds, though most bird feeding occurs during daylight hours. Flying squirrels, which are nocturnal, are known to visit bird feeders for seeds and nuts. These small rodents glide rather than fly, making them adept at reaching elevated food sources.
Domestic animals, such as cats and dogs, may also eat sunflower seeds if accessible, though it’s typically in small amounts and often accidental. Unsalted, shelled sunflower seeds are generally safe for dogs in moderation, while unshelled or salted versions can cause digestive issues. Cats can also consume plain, shelled sunflower seeds in small quantities, as they are considered non-toxic, but shells can be difficult for them to digest.