Sunflowers are a major attractant for many wild birds, offering a concentrated source of energy from late summer into winter. The large seed heads, whether left standing or served through feeders, provide a highly sought-after food source for numerous avian species. This widespread appeal makes the sunflower a centerpiece for backyard bird watching. Understanding which birds are drawn to this resource and the nutritional value of the seeds allows for targeted feeding strategies.
Identifying the Top Avian Visitors
The broad appeal of sunflower seeds attracts a diverse population of birds, ranging from small, agile finches to larger, stockier species. The American Goldfinch is a dedicated visitor, often seen acrobatically clinging directly to the seed heads of mature sunflowers in the late season. Small, active birds like Chickadees, Nuthatches, and Titmice also frequently utilize sunflower feeders. These species are adept at handling and consuming the seeds, often flying off quickly to cache their finds.
Larger, more powerful-billed species, such as the Northern Cardinal and various Grosbeaks, are also intensely drawn to the seeds. Cardinals often prefer stable platforms or hopper feeders, using their strong beaks to crack the shells. Blue Jays and Woodpeckers (Downy and Hairy species) readily accept sunflower seeds, often grabbing a whole seed before flying to a nearby perch to hull and eat it. Even ground-feeding birds, like Mourning Doves, gather spilled seeds beneath the feeding station.
The method of access depends on the bird’s size and temperament. Clinging species, such as finches and chickadees, favor seeds in the flower head or presented in tube feeders. Larger birds, which prefer to perch, find platform feeders and natural seed heads easier to manage.
Understanding Sunflower Seed Nutrition
The two main varieties offered to birds are the Black Oil Sunflower (BOS) and the Striped Sunflower, which differ in nutritional profile and physical structure. Black Oil Sunflower seeds are superior for bird feeding due to their high caloric density. Their kernels boast a significantly elevated fat and oil content compared to most other birdseed options.
The high oil content in BOS seeds provides a concentrated energy boost, which is beneficial for birds maintaining body heat during colder months. The shell of the Black Oil variety is also thinner and easier for small birds, such as finches and chickadees, to crack open.
Striped sunflower seeds are larger and possess a thicker, tougher shell that requires a stronger beak to penetrate. While they contain healthy fats and protein, their shell makes them less accessible to smaller species. Striped seeds can be used strategically to focus the offering on larger birds like Cardinals and Blue Jays. Both varieties are rich in protein and fiber, supporting feather health and muscle maintenance.
Strategies for Attracting Birds
Maximizing the attraction of sunflowers requires natural habitat management and strategic feeder use. Allowing the sunflower heads to remain standing after the blooms fade provides a natural, accessible food source. Birds will flock to the drying heads throughout the fall and winter, offering an excellent opportunity for observation.
When using feeders, the type should match the birds you hope to attract. Tube feeders are ideal for smaller, clinging birds like chickadees and finches. Platform or tray feeders accommodate larger birds, such as cardinals and jays, and allow ground feeders like Mourning Doves to feed comfortably. Placing feeders near natural cover, such as dense shrubs or trees, offers birds a quick escape route from predators, increasing their willingness to visit.
Using Shelled Seeds and Deterring Pests
Using shelled sunflower seeds, often called sunflower hearts or chips, reduces mess beneath the feeder and nearly eliminates unwanted sprouting. While more expensive, these hulled seeds attract a wider variety of soft-billed birds, like robins and thrushes, that cannot crack the shells. To discourage squirrels and other small mammals, feeders should be mounted on a pole with a wide baffle positioned below the feeding port.