Have you ever noticed crows hanging around your bird feeder and wondered, “Do crows eat bird seed?” If you’re trying to attract small songbirds, these clever black birds might be stealing more than you expect. Understanding what crows eat and why they visit your feeder can help you protect your bird seed and enjoy watching the birds you want.
Keep reading to discover the surprising truth about crows and your bird seed, and learn simple tips to keep your feeder safe.
Short Answer: Yes, crows do eat bird seed. They especially enjoy larger seeds like sunflower seeds, cracked corn, peanuts, and millet. If there’s a feeder around, crows won’t hesitate to snack on it!
Table of Contents
Crow Diet Basics
Crows eat many types of food. They like insects, small animals, fruits, and seeds. These birds are very smart and can find food in many places.
Bird seed is part of their diet, but not their favorite. They usually prefer nuts, grains, and insects. Crows will eat bird seed if other food is hard to find. They are attracted to sunflower seeds, corn, and millet commonly found in bird feeders.
Because crows are large and strong, they can eat seeds that smaller birds can’t. They often eat seed shells after cracking them open.
Types Of Bird Seed Crows Prefer
Sunflower seeds are a favorite among crows. They like the black oil sunflower seeds the most. These seeds are easy to crack and full of oil, giving them good energy. Crows often pick these seeds first at feeders.
Millet and other grains are also eaten, but less often. Crows prefer bigger seeds over tiny ones like millet. They may eat grains like cracked corn, but not as eagerly as sunflower seeds.
Seeds they avoid include small, hard seeds like safflower. Crows tend to ignore seeds that are difficult to open or have strong, bitter tastes. They focus on seeds that give them the most nutrition with less effort.
Why Crows Are Attracted To Bird Feeders
Crows are smart birds that quickly find food sources. Bird feeders offer easy meals filled with seeds and grains. This food availability attracts crows to many backyards.
Crows use their intelligence to open feeders or find spilled seeds on the ground. They can adapt to new environments and food options fast. This adaptability helps them thrive near bird feeders.
- Bird feeders provide reliable, easy food.
- Crows learn how to access different feeders.
- They remember places where food is abundant.
- Spilled seeds on the ground are a bonus meal.
- Crows adjust their behavior to get food efficiently.
Impact On Garden And Bird Feeders
Crows visiting bird feeders can bring both benefits and challenges. They help by eating many insects and pests in the garden. This can keep plants healthy and reduce the need for chemicals.
Crows are smart and social birds. They can attract other birds to your garden, making it lively and full of life. Their presence also shows a healthy environment.
On the downside, crows may steal seeds from feeders. They are strong and can empty feeders quickly. This can leave less food for smaller birds.
Some common challenges include:
- Crows are eating large amounts of seed
- Scaring away smaller birds
- Breaking bird feeders due to their size
Using feeders designed to keep crows out can help balance the benefits and challenges.
Tips To Manage Crows At Bird Feeders
Place feeders away from open spaces to make crows feel unsafe. Use poles with baffles to block crow access. Hang feeders near bushes or trees where small birds can hide quickly.
Crow-resistant feeders have small openings that fit only small birds. Use weight-sensitive feeders that close under heavy weights. Metal mesh feeders with tiny holes can stop crows from grabbing seeds.
- Offer food on the ground for ground-feeding birds only.
- Use seeds that crows dislike, like safflower seeds.
- Provide suet cages designed to keep large birds away.
Interesting Crow Feeding Behaviors
Crows are very smart birds. They often store food in hidden places. This is called food caching. They save seeds and nuts for later meals. Sometimes, crows share food with other crows. This shows they can work together and trust each other.
Crows can solve puzzles to find food. They learn from watching others. This helps them get bird seed from feeders or other tricky spots. Their ability to think and learn is quite amazing for birds.
My Personal Experience
Yes, crows do eat bird seed — and honestly, I’ve seen it with my own eyes more times than I can count.
From my personal experience, whenever I put out a mix of sunflower seeds, cracked corn, and peanuts for smaller birds, the crows are usually the first ones to notice. They don’t rush in aggressively, though. They sit on a nearby pole or tree branch, watching quietly as if trying to make sure everything is safe. Then one crow lands, takes a quick look around, and starts picking out the biggest seeds — especially sunflower seeds and peanuts.
What surprised me most is how smart and selective they are. They’ll ignore the tiny seeds but go straight for the “premium items.” Sometimes they even call other crows once they find a good food source, and within minutes, two or three more arrive to join the feast.
So yes, based on what I’ve experienced personally, crows love bird seed — especially the larger, high-energy ones!
Do Crows Eat Sunflower Seeds With Shells, and More Crow Questions (Friendly Guide With Real Experiences)
Do crows eat sunflower seeds with shells?
Short answer: Yes, crows eat sunflower seeds with shells.
Crows do not mind the shells at all. I have seen this many times in my own yard. A crow will land, tilt its head, and grab a whole shell like it is a tiny treasure. Then it cracks it open with a sharp snap. The sound is almost like breaking a small stick. It looks simple for them because their beaks are strong.
What I notice is funny. They do not rush. They sit, crack, eat, and look around like a calm guest at lunch. Sometimes they take a few seeds and fly off to a roof. It feels like they want some privacy while they eat.
My personal experience (quick points):
- They always pick the largest seeds first.
- They crack shells faster than you expect.
- They often carry seeds away to eat in a quiet place.
Do ravens eat seeds?
Short answer: Yes, ravens eat seeds, but they like bigger food more.
Ravens are like crows but even more bold. They will eat seeds when nothing better is around. I once saw a raven at a park pick up pumpkin seeds from the ground. It did not stay long. It grabbed a few and left with slow, strong wing beats. Ravens enjoy meat, eggs, bugs, and scraps much more. Seeds are like a backup plan.
When I watch ravens, they act like smart scouts. They look around first, then choose what they want. If seeds are the only thing on the menu, they will still eat them without fuss.
Is it illegal to feed crows?
Short answer: Feeding crows is not illegal in most places, but rules can vary.
Most areas do not ban feeding crows. But some cities do not like people feeding any wildlife. This is because too many birds can cause noise, mess, or even bother neighbors. I once had a neighbor laugh and say, “Your crows arrive before you do.” He was joking, but he had a point. When crows learn a spot, they return often.
So the key is simple. Feed in small amounts. Keep the area clean. Make sure your local rules allow it. I always check local guidelines. It keeps things smooth and friendly for everyone around.
How to keep crows away from bird feeders?
Short answer: Use small openings and light feeders that crows cannot grip.
Crows are smart. Very smart. But you can still keep them away from feeders meant for small birds. I had to try a few tricks myself. The one that worked best was a feeder with tiny holes. Only small beaks can reach the seeds. Crows tried for a few days. They jumped. They hung sideways. They even stared at the feeder like they were solving a puzzle. But they gave up.
Another trick is using a lightweight feeder. Crows cannot land on weak perches. Small birds, though, sit there without trouble. You can also hang feeders under a dome. Crows hate balancing in tight spaces.
Simple tricks that worked for me:
- Use tube feeders with tiny ports.
- Hang a dome above the feeder.
- Remove spilled seeds from the ground.
- Offer suet in cages only small birds can get through.
What do crows eat?
Short answer: Crows eat almost anything—seeds, fruits, bugs, meat, scraps, and more.
Crows are the true “take what you get” birds. They love seeds and nuts. They enjoy fruits like apples or berries. They chase bugs on the grass. And yes, they will grab a french fry from a street corner if they see it. I have seen a crow steal a whole piece of bread from a child’s hand. The child was shocked. The crow was proud.
When I put food in my yard, I see their taste shift with seasons. In winter, they want fat-rich seeds and peanuts. In summer, they look for bugs. They are flexible and smart. That is why they live in so many places.
Can crows eat pumpkin seeds?
Short answer: Yes, crows eat pumpkin seeds, raw or roasted.
Pumpkin seeds are a hit with crows. One autumn, after carving a pumpkin, I tossed the seeds outside. I did not expect much. But within an hour, two crows landed and took over the yard like special guests. They ate most of the seeds and even dug through the pulp.
What surprised me most was how they worked together. One crow ate while another watched for danger. When the watcher crow gave a soft call, they both flew away at the same time. It felt like watching teamwork at its best.
Do crows eat other birds?
Short answer: Yes, crows may eat small birds or eggs, but it is not their first choice.
Crows get a strong reputation for this. People think they hunt birds all the time. But in my experience, it is rare. They might eat a weak or dead bird. They may raid a nest for eggs or chicks. But they do not chase adult birds often.
I once saw a crow steal an egg from a myna’s nest. The mynas were loud, angry, and chased the crow across three roofs. But the crow kept going. It was not a happy scene, but it is part of crow behavior. Nature is not always gentle.
Still, most of the time, crows stick to easier food. They like seeds, fruits, scraps, and insects more.
Key Takeaways
- Crows eat sunflower seeds with shells.
- Ravens eat seeds but prefer bigger food.
- Feeding crows is usually legal but check your area.
- To keep crows away from feeders, use small ports and domes.
- Crows eat almost anything—seeds, bugs, meat, fruits.
- Crows enjoy pumpkin seeds.
- Crows may eat eggs or small birds but not often.
Final Thoughts
Crows are bold, clever, and full of personality. When I watch them, it feels like watching small, black-feathered thinkers. They solve problems, work as a team, and learn fast. Their food habits show how smart they are. They know what they want. They try new things. And they remember what works.
Writing about them feels like sharing stories about quiet neighbors who visit often. They bring a mix of charm, mystery, and humor. And yes, they will never say no to a good seed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Crows Eat Bird Seed Regularly?
Yes, crows do eat bird seed. They enjoy sunflower seeds and other grains.
What Seeds Do Crows Prefer Most?
Crows like sunflower seeds best. They also eat corn, millet, and peanuts.
Are Crows Attracted To Bird Feeders?
Yes, crows are drawn to bird feeders. They enjoy easy access to seeds and grains.
Can Bird Seed Harm Crows In Any Way?
No, bird seed is safe for crows. It provides them with nutrients and energy.
How To Keep Crows Away From Bird Feeders?
Use feeders with small perches. Crows find it hard to balance on them.
Conclusion
Crows do eat bird seed, but not all types. They prefer larger seeds like sunflower seeds. Small seeds might not attract them as much. These birds are smart and know where to find food. They can be messy but are part of nature.
Offering bird seed may invite crows to your yard. Understanding their habits helps manage your bird feeding better. Keep seed types and amounts in mind for best results. Watching crows can be fun and surprising too.
I still remember the day that sparked my love for birds. I was just a kid, sitting in my backyard, when a tiny bird landed near me. It moved so fast, its feathers flashing in the sunlight, and then it sang—soft, clear, and almost magical. In that moment, birds became more than just creatures in the sky. They became a mystery I wanted to solve.
That curiosity never faded. It led me to study Biology at the University of Scranton, where I dove deep into the science of birds—their behavior, their calls, and the incredible ways they survive. Today, that same passion drives me, and through Earth of Birds, I get to share it with you.