Striped Sunflower Seed

“So what’s the difference between this and the black oil stuff?”

That question comes up a lot. Striped sunflower seed is the bigger, tougher cousin in the sunflower family. Thicker shell. Bigger kernel. More work to open.

That is exactly why certain birds love it.

If your yard is home to bold personalities like blue jays and woodpeckers, striped sunflower seed gives them something worth showing up for. It also cuts down on waste since the smaller birds usually pass it by. Think of it as a VIP snack for birds with strong opinions and stronger beaks.

What Birds Love Striped Sunflower Seed?

This seed brings in the heavy hitters:

• Blue Jays

• Cardinals

• Woodpeckers

• Grosbeaks

• Doves

• Crows

These birds enjoy cracking shells. They are not in a hurry. They perch, work, and hang out. If your yard feels a little too quiet, striped sunflower tends to change that.

Smaller birds may still visit, but this seed is made for the big personalities.

When Should You Use It?

Striped sunflower is great all year, but it really shines in fall and winter months when birds need calories. It also pairs beautifully with black oil sunflower seed if you want variety.

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Striped Sunflower Seed FAQ

• What birds eat striped sunflower seed?

  Blue jays, cardinals, woodpeckers, grosbeaks, doves, and crows.

• Is striped sunflower better than black oil?

  It depends on your goal. Black oil attracts more species. Striped is better for large birds and creates less mess.

• Can finches eat striped sunflower?

  Most skip it. The shell is too thick.

• Can I mix this with other seed?

  Absolutely. It pairs well with black oil sunflower.

Find fresh, scoop-your-own striped sunflower seed at Merriam Feed. Bring a container or grab one here.