Have been noticing that the bird population in their backyard has grown significantly over the past few years? Some of these birds may be eating seeds from grasses, which is a major food source for many species. In this article, we will explore 12 common birds that eat grass seeds.
Table of Contents
Birds That Eat Grass Seed
Sparrows

Sparrows are a small, brown bird that are omnivorous and eat a variety of things including bugs, seeds, fruit, and meat. Sparrows usually feed on the ground, but will sometimes eat insects or other small animals in the air.
They are particularly fond of the seeds of annual grasses, such as crabgrass and foxtail. Sparrows will also eat the seeds of some perennial grasses, such as bluegrass and fescue grass.
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Finches

Finches are small, seed-eating birds. They are common in North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, from cities to suburban areas to rural areas. They are usually quick and nimble and can be difficult to spot. However, their unmistakable song is a good way to identify them.
Finches feed primarily on seeds, but they will also eat insects, fruit, and other small animals. These birds love to feed on seeds, and they particularly enjoy eating grass seed.
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Buntings

Buntings are a diverse group of small passerine birds that can be found in North America. They are generally small, but some species can reach a weight of over 20 grams.
Buntings have a wide range and can be found in a variety of habitats, from forests to deserts. They feed on insects, spiders, and other small creatures, and some species are known to consume grass seed.
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Pigeons

Pigeons are omnivorous birds that can be found in many habitats across the world. In North America, they are typically found in urban areas or near human settlements.
They are a common sight in parks and other open spaces. The diet of pigeons varies depending on where they are found, but they usually eat things like seeds such as grass seeds, grains, and insects.
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Parakeets

Wild parakeets live in the rainforests of South America, Central America and some parts of the Caribbean, and can be found in a variety of habitats, including rainforests, humid forests, and savannas.
Wild parakeets eat a variety of foods, including seeds, nuts, fruit, insects and other small animals. Occasionally they will eat grass seed, but this is not their primary food source.
Blackbirds

The blackbirds range across the United States, from the Arctic tundra to the deep south. They are common in suburban and urban areas, but can be found in a wide variety of habitats including rural areas, forests, and parks.
The blackbird is an opportunistic feeder and will eat a variety of items including insects, seeds, worms, and small mammals.
Starlings
The starlings are a common bird found throughout North America. They prefer to live in suburban and rural areas, as well as in cities. The starlings range spans from Canada to Guatemala, and they can be found in a variety of habitats including open fields, forests, wetlands, and parks.
The starlings diet consists of insects, small birds, and scraps. While in some parts of their range they will eat grass seeds, in others they will consume larger items.
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Doves

Doves are a common bird in many parts of the world. They are known for their soft plumage and intricate cooing sound. In the United States, doves are found in most states except Hawaii and Alaska. These birds can live in many habitats, but they usually live near water. They eat a variety of things, but they mostly eat seeds.
Doves shy away from consuming the bulk of “lawn-type” grass seeds. They have no desire for these little seeds, which are too small. If you are going to seed a lawn, you need to have a minimal concern about doves consuming the seed. They are more into giant foxtail, which is a species of Chinese brittle grass.
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Cardinals

The Cardinals, also known as the Cardinalidae family, are a small bird that can be found in North America. The Cardinals have a range that extends from the United States to Canada, and they also inhabit parts of Central America.
The Cardinals are mainly found in woodlands, and they feed on insects, spiders, and other small creatures. In some cases, the Cardinals will eat grass seed.
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Meadowlarks

The meadowlark is a small songbird that lives in North America. It has a range that includes most of Canada and the United States, and it is found in many kinds of ecosystems.
The Western meadowlark is a small bird that lives in open areas near meadows and other grassy areas. This songbird feeds on grass seeds and insects.
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Goldfinch

Goldfinches are a small bird that can be found in many parts of the world. They have a range that includes North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of South America.
Their habitat includes deciduous and mixed forests with dense vegetation and tall trees. They eat a variety of seeds, but are especially fond of grass seeds.
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Cowbirds

The brown-headed cowbirds are a small bird that ranges throughout the United States. They are found in open habitats such as farmland, grasslands and suburban areas.
They are omnivorous, feeding on insects, seeds and other small creatures. Occasionally, they will eat grass seed.