There are different types of sunflower seeds, often named for the markings on their shell (black, striped, etc). However, they all come from the common sunflower plant, Helianthus annuus. If you are wondering what birds eat black sunflower seeds (also called black oil sunflower seeds due to their high fatty oil content), you have come to the right place. In this article we will discuss which backyard birds like black sunflower seeds, why they are a good seed choice, and other tips for using them in your feeders.
Let’s answer this question right off the bat: What birds eat black sunflower seeds? The quick answer is, most! Here is a short list of backyard birds that eat black sunflower seeds:
- Northern cardinals
- Grosbeaks
- Tufted titmice and other tits
- Mourning doves
- Gray catbirds
- Blackbirds, Starlings and Grackles
- Finches
- Chickadees
- Nuthatches
- Jays
- Pine siskins
- Sparrows
That’s a pretty impressive list. Why do so many birds like black oil sunflower seeds? For one, the seeds are very nutritionally dense, which I will discuss more later on. However one of the big reasons is the shell or “hull.” Black oil sunflower seeds have very thin shells, and this makes them easy for almost any seed-eating bird to crack open.
The other common variety of sunflower seeds, the striped sunflower, has a much thicker shell and birds with smaller or softer beaks aren’t easy able to crack them open.
Yes absolutely! Sunflower seeds are a great source of nutrition for birds. Generally speaking, a 100 gram serving of dried sunflower seeds is composed of 5% water, 20% carbs, 51% total fat (in the form of oil) and 21% protein. Rich in dietary fiber, B vitamins, vitamin E, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, iron and zinc. The fats are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated, which if you’re food conscious you may recognize as the “h