Black Sunflower Seeds
Our premium Black Sunflower Seeds for birds are a fantastic, high-energy source and are abundant in essential fats. Perfect to use in tubular seed feeders, these seeds are favoured by numerous common UK garden birds, including finches and tits!
Get free next working day delivery as standard on Black Sunflower Seeds 25kg - order by 2pm for same-day dispatch.
Product Details
What are black sunflower seeds for birds?
Black sunflower seeds are seeds extracted from the sunflower plant (Helianthus annuus), specifically from a variety known as oilseed sunflowers. These seeds are popularly used as bird food due to their high nutritional value and appeal to a wide range of bird species. Black sunflower seeds refer to the black or dark-coloured husks covering the sunflower heart.
Are black sunflower seeds good for birds?
Yes, black sunflower seeds are highly nutritious and generally considered excellent for feeding birds. These seeds are a rich source of energy, protein, and healthy fats, making them a valuable food option for a variety of bird species. The high oil content in black seed sunflowers provides birds with essential calories, especially during the demanding winter months or breeding season when their energy requirements are higher.
Which garden birds eat black sunflower seeds?
A variety of garden bird species are drawn to the rich and nutritious offerings of black sunflower seeds. This sought-after bird seed is a favourite among avian visitors to gardens and feeding stations. This seed commonly attracts wild birds such as House Sparrows, Blue Tits, Great Tits, Goldfinches, Greenfinches, Chaffinches, Siskins, Bullfinches, Robins, and Nuthatches. The distinctive bills of these birds are well-adapted for extracting the nutritious sunflower heart from the sunflower black seeds, making them a popular choice for bird enthusiasts keen on attracting diverse and delightful avian visitors to their outdoor spaces.
How do I feed black sunflower seeds to birds?
When using black sunflower seeds as bird feed, selecting the right type of bird feeder is important to attract and accommodate various bird species. Seed Feeders (a.k.a tube feeders) are the most popular choice to feed black sunflower seeds to birds. Seed Feeders can come with multiple ports and perches, so birds like tits and finches can sit on the perches and extract the seeds through small openings. You can also use a Ground Feeder to feed black sunflower seeds to garden birds. Ground Feeders are low-profile platforms or trays that sit directly on the ground, making it easy for birds to access the seeds. These feeders appeal to species like robins, blackbirds, and chaffinches, which prefer feeding on the ground.
What's the difference between regular sunflower seeds and black sunflower seeds?
Black sunflower seeds come from oilseed sunflowers that are specifically bred for their high oil content and are an excellent fat source for garden birds. Bird seed black sunflower colour refers to the dark husks that cover the seeds. Regular (Striped) sunflower seeds come from the same sunflower plant, but they are typically a striped or greyish colour due to the presence of both black and white stripes on the seed coat.
Are black sunflower seeds better for birds?
When comparing black sunflower seeds with regular (striped) sunflower seeds as bird feed, it becomes evident that the former offers more significant advantages for garden birds. Black sunflower seed deliver more substantial meat and boast a higher oil content, supplying birds with increased calories and essential nutrition. Another benefit of opting for black sunflower Seeds is their thinner shell compared to regular sunflower seeds, facilitating easier cracking by birds and conserving valuable energy in the process.
Do pigeons eat black sunflower seeds?
Pigeons are known to eat various seeds, including black sunflower seeds. Pigeons are opportunistic feeders and can adapt to a wide range of food sources, making them familiar visitors to bird feeders where black oil sunflower seeds are provided. If you want to deter pigeons from consuming black sunflower seeds, consider using a squirrel-proof feeder. These specialised feeders are designed to prevent squirrels and larger birds, including pigeons, from accessing the seeds. Squirrel-proof feeders often have weight-sensitive perches or barriers that close off access to the feeding ports when a heavy bird or squirrel lands on them.
Why are birds not eating my sunflower seeds?
If birds are not showing interest in your sunflower seeds, several factors might be contributing to their reluctance. Start by ensuring the sunflower seeds are fresh and of high quality, as birds may avoid stale or mouldy seeds. Consider the placement of your bird feeder – it should be visible and in a safe location with nearby cover for birds to seek refuge. Regularly clean the feeder to maintain a hygienic environment, as dirty feeders may discourage birds. Additionally, evaluate the type of sunflower seeds you are providing; birds may have preferences for hulled seeds or a diverse seed mix. The feeder type matters too – different birds are attracted to different feeders. Keep an eye on the presence of predators that might be deterring birds, and be mindful of the seasonal changes or the availability of natural food sources in your local environment. By addressing these factors, you can create a more inviting space for birds and increase the likelihood of them enjoying the sunflower seeds you offer.
Packaging: 2kg bags of seed are oxo-biodegradable and can be disposed of alongside normal recycled plastics. 12.55kg seed options come in a fully recyclable paper sack, and our cardboard boxes are also made from recycled materials.
Delivery Information
Free Delivery
Order by 2pm, Monday to Friday, for next working day delivery.
Free delivery on orders over £25.00 in our standard delivery areas *.
We operate a same day despatch with DPD Next Working Day Delivery for orders received before 2pm Monday to Friday.
Friday orders after 2pm will be processed on Monday.
Please note: DPD cannot guarantee Next Day Delivery. DPD Next Day Delivery has a 99.8% success rate.
Standard Delivery
Orders under £25.00 are £3.95 to standard delivery areas *.
Please allow 2 working days for standard delivery. If you have not received your order within 2 working days please contact us.
Delivery Instructions
Safe place instructions must be left directly with DPD once you receive your delivery text or email.
Live Worms
These products are shipped directly from the suppliers. Please allow up to 5 working days for these items to arrive. They will arrive separately from any other products ordered from Ivel Valley Bird Food.
*Areas Outside of Standard Delivery (as defined by DPD)
Delivery to Scottish Highlands, Islands, and Northern Ireland are charged at varying costs. The cost for any non-standard delivery postcodes will be displayed on the checkout page once a postcode is entered. Delivery to these areas is a DPD 2-5 Working Day service. We do not ship to the Republic of Ireland.
We do not deliver over the weekend or outside of the UK.