There are three types of commonly used sunflower seeds, although only black and striped sunflower seeds typically find there way into UK birdseed with each getting their names from their husks’ colour. The black sunflower seeds usually have much thinner shells, ideal for seed-eating birds to open. Their kernels are also packed with high-fat content (around 44%), making them very valuable at this time of year. Stripe flower sunflower seeds have slightly thicker shells, making them a bit harder for some birds to open and lower fat content (around 24%).
What birds like sunflower seeds? Blue tits, Great tits and Greenfinches like sunflower seeds although they are also fans of peanuts too.
Tits are the smaller birds you may come across on our feeder with some having colourful plumage, while others are a little plainer.
They have strong feet, stout legs and short triangular bills. Some of the more common types you may have come across on your bird feeder are The ‘Blue tit’ and the ‘Great tit.’
If the hulls of discarded seeds are a concern, You may want to consider purchasing shelled sunflower seeds although they tend to be a little more expensive and are often firm favourites of squirrels!
Due to the UK weather, they also tend to breakdown quite quickly unless they are eaten within 1 or 2 days, resulting in bacteria growth that can be harmful to our feathered friends. Good hygiene of your feeding station is vital, or feeding may do more harm than good.
Some feed is particularly attractive to certain species of bird:
Sunflower seeds and Peanuts
Tits and greenfinches are particularly partial to these high-fat content seeds.
Millet seed
Millet is an ideal seed for smaller birds with reed buntings, collared doves, house sparrows, dunnocks and finches.
Flaked maize
Flaked maize is a favourite of blackbird.
Larger grains
Larger grains such as wheat barley are often included in seed mixtures, but they are really only suitable for pigeons, doves, and pheasants that feed on the ground.
Remember!
RSPB.org.uk
Although winter feeding benefits birds most, food shortages can occur at any time of the year. By feeding all year round, you’ll give them a better chance to survive food shortages whenever they may occur.
Unfortunately, some of the cheaper seed mixes on the market often use split pea beans, dried rice and lentils to bulk out the seed mix. They have also been known to contain green or pink lumps that are actually broken up dog biscuits that should only be eaten when soaked.
Do I need a specific feeder for different seed?
Many people ask whether they need a particular type of seed feeder to go with their purchase of seed. This is an excellent question because there are some key differences in the type of feeders available on the market today. Not all of them are suitable for every type of seed, so let’s go through some of the seed feeders’ key differences.
Generally, seed feeders are typically designed around the species of bird they are trying to attract.
Fatball and Suet feeders
Fat ball feeders are as the name suggest perfect for fat balls, typically caged to stop predators they are very popular with small birds and a particular favourite of starlings who will hang for a long time squabbling over the best spot with fellow starlings.
Feeders for small birds
Feeders for smaller birds are typically designed to provide smaller species of birds with an opportunity to feed. In some gardens, larger birds such as pigeons and magpies can quickly eat all of the food you put out before the smaller birds have a chance to feed.
These feeders aim to restrict access to the larger birds making it more difficult for them to feed, ensuring that the smaller birds can enjoy your food.
Ground feeder
As the name suggests, ground feeders are typically placed on the ground but can be susceptible to other species such as squirrels. For this reason many feeders you can also purchase come with a cage that allows the smaller bird to fit through while deterring larger birds and predators.
Mealworm feeder
In my garden, birds have always loved to eat dried mealworms when thrown on the ground. This is especially true of our Robin and Blackbird friends. Mealworm feeders are designed to hang from a tree and for small birds.
Nut & nibble feeder
These types of feeders are typically very strong as their contents are very appealing to squirrels. Many have metal fittings to stop squirrels chewing and damaging the feeder as they would with plastic feeders.
Nyjer seed feeder
Specifically designed for smaller feed smaller seed feeders, these are perfect for goldfinches greenfinches and siskins.
Seed feeder
Seed feeders come in all shapes and sizes and are made of plastic and metal. They are an ideal choice for the majority of seeds.
Window feeder
Window feeders are typically designed to attract smaller birds and absolutely fantastic for attracting them right up to your window. These smaller feeders often attach via suction cups, so they are easy to attach, remove and clean.
Associated Questions
Here are some quick-fire answers to questions that I have also heard asked that may be of interest to you:
What birds eat peanuts?
Peanuts are one of the most popular foods to feed wild birds here is a list of the birds that eat peanuts in the UK:
- Tits
- Greenfinches
- House sparrows
- Nuthatches
- Woodpeckers
- Siskins
- Magpies
- Jays
Remember!
Although peanuts are a great way of giving garden birds a fantastic energy boost, it is important that you do not feed birds salted, flavoured or roasted nuts. Birds are unable to process large quantities of salt, and it may be very harmful to them.During the breeding season, it is also very important that you do not leave out the entire peanut as this can become a choking hazard to young chicks who may be fed them by inexperienced parents. Either refrain from putting out peanuts entirely during or make sure that you crush the peanuts up into smaller pieces.
Wayne
Can birds eat porridge oats?
Yes, birds can eat uncooked porridge oats along with any other dry breakfast cereal but you should only place out small amounts at a time and ideally ensure that a drinking water source is nearby.
Warning: Make sure you never put out cooked porridge oats as the cooking process makes the oats glutinous which can then harden around a birds beak.
What not to feed wild birds?
Here is a list of completely unsuitable foods to feed wild birds:
- Salted or roasted peanuts
- Junk food such as crisps and cheese puffs
- Desiccated coconut (if not well soaked)
- Mouldy bread or spoiled foods
- Donuts, cakes, pies, cupcakes etc
- High salt foods
- Avocado
- Chocolate
As you can see, if you love to feed the wild birds in your garden, it’s likely that from time to time you have been tempted to provide them with some leftover food on occasion but you could do them more harm than good if you do not carefully consider what you are giving them.