Farmers across the globe grow more than 50 million tons of sunflower seeds every year. They are harvested not only to feed humans, but also wildlife. But whose mouth – or beak – they will ultimately end up in depends on the variety.

Striped sunflower seeds are the “regular” type that’s most familiar to many of us. They are the ones that end up on grocery store shelves for us to buy as snacks and salad toppings. Black oil sunflower seeds, on the other hand, are typically the ones that end up in our bird feeders, which is why you will mostly find them at your local home improvement store. Wondering why?

Here, experts explain the differences between black oil sunflower seeds vs. striped sunflower seeds, plus tips on the best type to buy for birds and how to store it.

What Are the Differences Between Black Oil Sunflower Seeds and Regular Sunflower Seeds?

“All sunflower seeds are edible and delicious,” says Randel Agrella, senior horticulturalist with Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. While they are all packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber, people generally stick with striped sunflower seeds because they’re larger and easier for human hands to shell. The opposite is true, however, for birds.

“Almost all seed-eating birds prefer black oil to striped sunflower,” says Brian Cunningham, Chief Naturalist for Wild Birds Unlimited. This is because compared to striped seeds, black oil sunflower seeds boast the following benefits:

  • A higher oil content, which means more nutrition.
  • More calories per bite;
  • A thinner shell that’s easier to crack open, so birds expend less energy eating.

That’s why, when it comes to choosing what to feed birds, experts recommend black oil sunflower seed rather than striped. “This is the best of all seeds in the shell, attracting the greatest variety of small and large birds,” Cunningham says.

Are Black Oil Sunflower Seeds and Regular Sunflower Seeds Grown on the Same Plant?

No. While all sunflower seeds originate from the common sunflower plant, Helianthus annuus, there are many sunflower varieties produced by selective breeding. A few include striped, black oil, ring of fire, and mammoth. Some kinds of sunflowers produce a lot of seeds, and each kind produces varying amounts of seeds.

Are These Seeds Prepared and Processed Differently?

No. They’re all grown and processed the same way. “The main thing to think about when buying black oil sunflower seeds or any [oily] mix is that you want to get it while it’s fresh, because those seeds can go rancid,” says Emma Greig, former project leader at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Project FeederWatch. “Don’t go to some store that rarely sells bird seed and find a clearance bag in the back.” To make sure sunflower seeds is still good for birds, give them a smell to be sure there is no sour or foul odor, Greig advises.

Why Do Black Oil Sunflower Seeds Cost More?

A bag of black oil sunflower seeds generally costs more than a bag of mixed feed because the market price of sunflower seeds is higher than other ingredients, like millet. Also, if drought conditions affect crop yields in areas of the country that produce sunflower seeds, including the West and Great Plains, you can expect prices to increase due to higher demand.

Why Are Black Oil Sunflower Seeds Better for Birds?

They are easier for birds to crack open and contain more fat and calories than striped sunflower seeds, which means more reward with less effort. That’s especially important in winter, when other food sources require more energy to find.

Which Birds Prefer Each Type of Seeds?

Most seed-eating birds will eat any kind of sunflower seed. Still, all will likely go for black oil first because, as we mentioned above, it’s easier to crack open. Here’s a closer look:

Birds That Eat Black Oil Sunflower Seeds

  • Finches (house, purple, gold, rosy, Cassin’s)
  • Chickadees
  • Nuthatches
  • Northern cardinals
  • Mourning doves
  • Tufted titmice
  • Towhees
  • Blackbirds
  • Woodpeckers
  • Evening grosbeaks
  • Redpolls
  • Pine siskins
  • Indigo buntings
  • Gray catbirds
  • Bushtits
  • Grackles (house and common)
  • Black-billed magpies
  • Sparrows
  • Jays

Birds That Eat Regular (Striped) Sunflower Seeds

Most birds that eat black oil sunflower seeds will also eat striped ones, except birds with weak beaks such as mourning doves and sparrows.

“Birds might eat a single seed type when it is the only thing offered,” Cunningham says. “But they won’t touch it if their preferred food is also available. For example, Pine siskins will eat black oil sunflower, nyjer, and sunflower chips. But when all three are offered, they take the nyjer and chips and hardly touch the black oil sunflower.”

Should I Buy Sunflower Seeds With or Without the Shell?

Seeds that have been shelled, known as chips, kernels, hulled seeds, or hearts, cost more than seeds with the shells on. But they’re worth the price in some situations.

When to choose sunflower seeds without the shell:

“Chips are highly preferred by the birds since they don’t have to take the time to remove the shell,” Cunningham says. “Sunflower shells contain a chemical that kills or stunts the growth of many species of plants. You may notice a bare spot below your feeder area where shells accumulate.”

Also, shells can be messy. “If you’re feeding birds in a small town home or condo patio, you don’t want a lot of hulls kicking around,” says Pam Perry, a certified Cooperative Extension Master Gardener. “But [if you use the more expensive hulled seeds] dole them out in batches, like a scoop in the morning. Otherwise, they’ll eat all day long if you keep feeding them.”

When to choose shelled sunflower seeds:

Seeds without shells are not always ideal, according to the experts. Shells keep seeds moist, dry and protected from the elements. Some birds, such as jays, titmice, chickadees, nuthatches and nutcrackers, also prefer to hide a cache of seeds in the fall to eat later, Cunningham explains. “Oftentimes they prefer seeds that still have their shell on them so they stay fresh longer,” Cunningham says.

Lastly, shell-less seeds are not guaranteed to be black oil sunflower seeds. “Most sunflower chips are produced as by-products when striped sunflowers are processed for food-grade products, which use only the best whole kernels,” Cunningham says. “The smaller pieces are screened out, and these finer chips are often used to feed the birds.”

FAQ

Are sunflower seeds good for birds?

Yes! Foods offered to birds in our yards should mimic what birds would naturally be seeking to consume in the wild, Cunningham explains. “Sunflower seeds mimic the seeds of many trees like pine, fir, spruce, hemlock, maple, elm, sweetgum, beech and more,” Cunningham says. “Plus, sunflower seeds mimic garden and flower seeds of all types and, of course, the 60-plus wild sunflower species.”

How should I store sunflower seeds?

Always store sunflower seeds in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and keep them from going rancid. This is especially important for storing black sunflower seeds since it has a high oil content. If stored properly, Agrella says seeds can retain viability for up to three years. “They can also be stored in the freezer for many years and likely remain viable,” Agrella says.

About the Experts

Author
Karuna Eberl
A writer and indie film producer, Karuna Eberl covers the outdoors and nature side of DIY for Family Handyman, exploring wildlife, green living, travel, gardening and outdoor living, including swimming pools and testing portable power stations. She also writes FH’s Eleven Percent column about dynamic women in the construction workforce. Karuna an...
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Karuna Eberl