Do Birds Eat Poppy Seeds? A Guide for Bird Lovers

Poppy seeds are a common sight in birdseed mixes and backyard bird feeders Their tiny size and nutritious composition make them an excellent snack for a variety of bird species But which birds actually eat poppy seeds? And are these underrated seeds safe and healthy for our feathered friends?

As an avid birdwatcher and backyard bird feeder, I was curious to find out more about poppy seeds and their relationships with birds. Here’s a comprehensive guide covering everything you need to know about poppy seeds and birds.

Opium poppy plants, most often Papaver somniferum, give rise to poppy seeds. Even though the seeds don’t have opiates in them, they can sometimes test positive for them because they were processed close to other parts of the plant.

There are a few different varieties of poppy seeds. Blue poppy seeds are the most common, known for their use in baked goods. White and black poppy seeds are also edible. The seeds are very small, kidney-shaped, and have a nutty flavor.

In addition to use in cooking poppy seeds are often added to commercial birdseed blends. They contain beneficial nutrients for birds like protein, healthy fats and minerals.

Which Birds Like to Eat Poppy Seeds?

A lot of birds will eat poppy seeds if you put them in bird feeders or seed mixes. Smaller songbirds that eat seeds are usually the biggest fans of poppy seeds.

Some birds that enjoy munching on poppy seeds include:

• Finches – American goldfinches, house finches, purple finches
• Sparrows – song sparrows, chipping sparrows, white-throated sparrows
• Juncos
• Mourning doves
• Cardinels
• Chickadees
• Nuthatches
• Titmice
• Pine siskins

Larger birds like blue jays may also eat poppy seeds on occasion. But the tiny size makes them better suited as snacks for smaller beaked birds.

Backyard flocking birds that travel in large groups, like goldfinches, sparrows, and doves, often descend on poppy heads in gardens to feast on the abundant seeds.

Are Poppy Seeds Safe For Birds to Eat?

Poppy seeds are safe for most birds to eat in moderation. Many sources state that birds are not affected by the trace amounts of opiates in the seeds.

However, birds that are sensitive might have problems if they eat a lot of poppy seeds. As with any treat, poppy seeds should only be given in small amounts as part of a healthy diet.

To be extra safe, look for poppy seeds sold specifically for cooking or birdseed. Avoid seeds labeled for planting, as these may contain higher opiate levels.

The Nutritional Benefits of Poppy Seeds for Birds

Poppy seeds offer a good nutritional package for birds in a tiny package. Here are some of the top nutrients and benefits they provide:

• Protein—Approximately 20% of poppy seeds are protein, which gives birds energy and helps support muscle growth and feather production.

• Healthy fats – Poppy seeds have high levels (up to 50%) of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids like omega-3s. These support skin/feather health and other body functions.

• Fiber – The fiber in poppy seeds assists with digestion and prevents intestinal issues.

• Minerals – Poppy seeds provide iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, and manganese to support bone health, blood cell production, immunity, metabolism, and more.

• Small size – The tiny poppy seed dimensions are perfect for small bird beaks. The seeds can be eaten both at feeders and directly from dried poppy heads.

With their dense nutrient content, poppy seeds offer an energy-packed snack. They complement other backyard bird food favorites like sunflower seeds, suet, peanuts, and nyjer seed.

How to Offer Poppy Seeds to Backyard Birds

If you want to serve up poppy seeds for the birds in your yard, here are a couple ways to offer them:

• Add them to DIY birdseed mixes – Buy poppy seeds from the grocery store to mix into your own custom seed blends. Combine with sunflower seeds, millet, cracked corn, etc.

• Fill mesh feeders or platform feeders – Poppy seeds will easily slip through tube feeders. Use mesh bags or tray/platform feeders.

• Offer dried poppy seed heads – Leave spent poppy seed heads in your garden for birds to naturally forage. Or cut and hang heads near feeders.

• Try specialty poppy seed feeders – You can find special feeders with trays designed specifically for serving poppy seeds.

Position feeders with poppy seeds in open areas where small birds feel safe stopping by for a nibble. And be sure to provide a water source nearby like a bird bath or fountain.

The Takeaway on Poppy Seeds for Birds

While you may think of poppy seeds simply as a bakery topping, these tiny seeds offer big nutrition and enjoyment for backyard birds. A number of common songbirds will flock to poppy seeds when offered in gardens or feeders.

Poppy seeds are safe for most birds in moderation as an supplemental treat. If you want to experiment with serving poppy seeds to attract more birds to your yard, add a few to your feeder mix or dried seed heads to your garden. Then sit back and wait for the birds to discover this underrated seed!