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Birds That Eat Raw Sunflower Seeds in the Shell

Rich in protein, fat and oil, raw sunflower seeds offer a nutritious source of food for a wide variety of birds. These birds have no problem eating sunflower seeds in the shell. They are either able to pry the seed open with their beak or will just eat it whole. Sunflower seeds can be purchased at most grocery and health food stores, as well as gardening stores that sell bird food and feeders.
  1. Cardinal

    • With their striking red and black plumage, cardinals are popular birds love sunflower seeds in the shell. Cardinals are nonmigratory birds, they will stay put as long as there is sufficient food for them. Although they'll feed on just about any type of bird feeder and sunflower variety, they prefer stationery feeders 5 to 6 feet above the ground. Cardinals love sunflower seeds so much that they will often dig through mixed seeds just to consume the sunflower seeds.

    Finch

    • A common North American bird species, finches love sunflower seeds and will often sift through your mixed seeds to find them. They prefer black-oil sunflower seeds but will also eat the black-striped variety. These songbirds are relatively easy to attract to your backyard feeder, but they can be picky eaters. Replace old seed often, as finches will not eat seeds that are overly moist. Place your feeder away from places were larger birds are feeding, as small finches avoid bigger birds.

    Blue Jay

    • Blue Jays typically eat a mixed diet of seeds, berries, vegetables and insects. Because they are larger than many seed-eating birds, they prefer platform feeders with plenty of perching room to hanging feeders. Blue Jays eat both striped and black-oil sunflower seeds in the shell. Birdsforever.com recommends placing your feeder near an oak tree, because blue jays consume acorns. Make your feeder more attractive to Blue Jays by providing a nearby water source, such as a birdbath.

    Nuthatch

    • Nuthatches are tiny birds found throughout North America that love sunflower and suet seeds. These birds can handle shelled seeds easily due to their long, pointed beaks and agility. Nuthatches tend to be very tame birds, according to All-birds.com, and will even feed out of your hand if you present them with a fistful of sunflower seeds. These foraging birds collect seeds to store for the winter, placing them in the small holes and crevices of tree bark. Nuthatches also eat beetles, caterpillars, nuts and pinecone seeds.