U.S. Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Date of this Version
September 2007
Abstract
Sunflower, due to the easy accessibility and high nutritional value of its seed, is particularly vulnerable to damage by birds (Figure 101). Seeds are exposed and the large head serves as a perch during feeding. Sunflower seed is a preferred bird food because the seed contains many proteins and fats essential to their growth, molt, fat storage and weight maintenance processes. Although many species of birds feed in maturing sunflower fields, the greatest losses are caused by migrating flocks of red-winged blackbirds, yellow- headed blackbirds and common grackles (Figure 102). Significant losses can occur in fields near cattail marshes.
Comments
September 2007. Pages 85-88 in D.R. Berglund, editor. Published in Sunflower Production. North Dakota State University Extension Service, Extension Publication A-133 1, Fargo, North Dakota.