Why sunflower hearts are the best food for the birds in your garden.

2 min read
Why sunflower hearts are the best food for the birds in your garden.

 

Sunflower hearts are the ultimate food for small birds, and they make up a proportion of each food blend I send out. They attract a range of beautiful wild birds, and were found by the BTO to be the preferred food for goldfinches (even over nyjer seeds) – read more here. Let’s take a look at some reasons why your small birds will thank you for putting out a regular supply:

1. Sunflower hearts are safe for small birds

Sunflower seeds are encased in a black or striped husk which smaller birds like tits and finches must peck through to get to the nutrients inside. The amount of time it takes them to get through the husk keeps them on the bird feeder for longer than they need to be, which leaves them at risk of getting caught by predators, including cats and birds of prey. Sunflower hearts are quick to grab and fly away with, meaning the birds aren’t left on the feeder for long periods of time.

2. No husk means no waste

The husks are discarded by birds, leaving a mess around the bottom of your feeder which can attract rats and other vermin.

3. No unwanted seedlings

Whole sunflower seeds can fall to the floor and germinate – while sunflowers are a beautiful addition to any border or container, you don’t necessarily want them popping up in between your paving stones. Sunflower hearts are much less likely to germinate.

4. Sunflower hearts have a high calorie to weight ratio

Sunflower hearts pack maximum punch – they are calorie dense, meaning the birds need to eat less seeds to meet their daily calorie needs.

5. Sunflower hearts are packed with nutrition

Sunflower hearts are packed with protein, fat and essential oils, which are important for maintaining healthy beaks, feathers and skin. They also contain much needed vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E.

Sunflower hearts will attract siskins, tits, finches, robins, dunnocks, thrushes, woodpeckers, nuthatches, blackcaps and more – they’re universally loved and will always bring a rabble of birds to your garden!

Thank you for reading!

Clare Cahill is an enthusiastic bird lover with a passion for observing and learning about the incredible variety of birds around us. While she doesn’t have a formal degree in ornithology, Clare has dedicated countless hours to reading birding books and exploring nature, constantly expanding her knowledge and deepening her love for wildlife.

For Clare, birdwatching brings a sense of calm and connection to the world, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. She believes that the more we connect with nature, the more we can do to protect and conserve it. Through her writing, Clare hopes to inspire others to take a moment to pause, look up, and appreciate the wonderful birds that share our spaces.

About A Little Bird Co.

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  • Seasonal

    Birds have different dietary needs throughout the year, from nesting to moulting and surviving colder months. To support these changes, we’ve created seasonal blends – order a Seasonal Bird Food bag, and we’ll adjust the blend to match the season, making it easy to do something great for the birds.

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    Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We don't farm, process, and transport cheap filler ingredients that birds simply kick to the floor. Instead, we focus on premium ingredients they love. Our packaging is compostable, and our bird feeders and nest boxes are tested for durability and longevity.

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    We design our food and select our range of feeders with little birds in mind. Every ingredient in our blends is chosen because small birds love it, simplifying your bird feeding routine. Our feeders provide safe access to food while helping to keep out larger, more dominant species. Look out for robins, blue tits, wrens, finches and more visiting your garden for our food.

  • Support

    With birds in your garden, you’re never alone - they’re the friends who always visit. Feeding them supports wildlife conservation while bringing joy and calm. Whether spotting a new species or simply watching their daily routines, just ten minutes a day strengthens your connection with nature and boosts your wellbeing.

When life feels busy, the birds keep it simple.

There’s something lovely about how feeding the birds becomes part of the rhythm of your day. A scoop of seed, a clean dish of water - and then a pause, just to watch who turns up. It doesn’t have to take long, but those moments can be surprisingly grounding. A little burst of mindfulness, fresh air, a chance to notice your garden as it changes throughout the seasons, and the cheerful flutter of wings - it’s good for the soul.

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