Poppy seeds are one of the ornamental flowers that serve as a good feed source for birds. The seeds can be used to attract songbirds to backyards for viewing or can be part of wildlife habitat plantings in remote areas. The seeds are also used as part of domestic bird seed mixes.
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.
Poppy seeds come from opium poppy plants, most commonly Papaver somniferum. The seeds themselves don’t contain opiates, but they can sometimes test positive for them due to their close contact with other parts of the plant during processing.
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?
Many backyard birds will eat poppy seeds when offered at bird feeders or in seed mixes. Smaller seed-eating songbirds tend to be the biggest poppy seed fans.
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, very high consumption of poppy seeds could potentially cause issues for some sensitive birds. As with any treat, it’s best to feed poppy seeds sparingly as part of a balanced 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:
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Protein – Poppy seeds contain about 20% protein, giving birds energy and helping support muscle growth and feather production.
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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.
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Fiber – The fiber in poppy seeds assists with digestion and prevents intestinal issues.
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Minerals – Poppy seeds provide iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, and manganese to support bone health, blood cell production, immunity, metabolism, and more.
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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:
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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.
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Fill mesh feeders or platform feeders – Poppy seeds will easily slip through tube feeders. Use mesh bags or tray/platform feeders.
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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.
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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!
Domestic Bird Seed
Poppy seed is included in domestic bird seed mixes meant for parrots, parakeets and cockatiels as an aid to digestion and as a treatment for diarrhea.
Feeding Poppy Seeds
Poppy seeds are mixed with other seeds in a number of commercially prepared wild bird seed mixes. Feed these seed mixes in elevated feeders or at ground level. The location and type of feeding presentation will determine the species the feed mix will attract. Most seed eating songbirds will be feed on these types of mixes.
Poppies are included in ornamental wildlife food plots in areas where the plants will thrive. These plantings include multiple species of flowering ornamentals that are allowed to go to seed at the end of the flowering period. The seeds remain on the plant into the fall and winter for the wild bird population. The plantings serve a dual purpose of providing a visually pleasing view during blooming and wildlife habitat through the fall and winter.
200 Opium addicted Swans
FAQ
Why is it illegal to grow poppies?
The US does prohibit the cultivation of the common breed of poppy which does produce a significant amount of opium under the Opium Poppy Control Act of 1942. The way the law is worded also prohibits the cultivation of any breed of poppy which can be used for the production of opium.
Will squirrels eat poppy seeds?
Common poppy faces threats from deer, rabbits, squirrels, and more. Effective deterrents include fences, netting, and noise tactics.
What birds like poppies?
Poppies are another easy-to-grow flower that hummingbirds love.
What animal will eat poppies?
Deer, rabbits, squirrels, birds, rodents, groundhogs threaten Red Poppies. Attract bees, ladybugs with diverse flowers and habitats for better pollination.
What are poppy seeds used for?
Poppy seeds are used for various purposes. They are one of the ornamental flowers that serve as a good feed source for birds. The seeds can be used to attract songbirds to backyards for viewing or can be part of wildlife habitat plantings in remote areas. They are also used as part of domestic bird seed mixes.
Can chickens consume poppy seeds?
Poppy seeds are beneficial and delicious to chickens. They are often given to chickens as a poultry supplement. Chickens can definitely eat poppy seeds. Poppy seed and Parrots! Is it safe? – I really like fresh poppyseed bagels.
Is it safe to consume poppy seeds?
Consuming large amounts of poppy seeds is possibly unsafe, as it can block the bowels. However, this is very uncommon. Poppy seeds are mentioned in the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version by Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. There is a difference in sunflower seeds for wild birds.
Do pigeons eat poppy seeds?
Pigeons consume seeds, including poppy seeds, oatmeal, and dried fruit such as raisins, sultanas, and apricots. These foods help keep pigeons feeling full for longer periods. In hot, balmy weather, many pigeons begin to moult, making a protein-rich diet even more important.
Can dogs eat poppy seeds?
Although poppy seeds only contain traces of opioid traces, this may be enough to affect certain dogs. If your dog ate a piece of baked bread with poppy seeds or a bagel sprayed with seeds, then they are probably unlikely to suffer harmful effects. This, of course, will depend on its size and sensitivities. Can Dogs Eat Asparagus?
Can pigeons eat poppy seeds?
Yes, Birds can eat poppy seeds, including pigeons. They love these special seeds because they are packed with nutrients and are bite-sized for even the smallest of the flock.