What Birds Eat Nyjer Seed

What birds eat nyjer seed

Smaller seed-eating birds like Finches and Sparrows have developed into experts at eating this tiny seeds....These are some the types of birds that eat niger seed that you'll be able to attract to your garden:

• Sparrows.
• Siskins.
• Finches.
• Redpolls.
• Pigeons.
• Doves.

Why won't the birds eat the nyjer seed?

Nancy Castillo, co-owner of the Wild Birds Unlimited store in Saratoga Springs, New York, and author of the blog Zen Birdfeeder, points out that Nyjer contains natural high-calorie oils that attract finches. When the oils dry out, the seed loses both its food value and its flavor, and birds shun it.

What's the difference between thistle seed and Nyjer seed?

Nyjer seed is NOT thistle. The seed is not derived from any native or non-native thistle plant; but instead, the Nyjer seed is actually derived from a plant in the same plant tribe as sunflowers. The seed resembles a sunflower seed but is significantly smaller.

Do you need a special feeder for Nyjer seed?

Due to the small size of the seed, nyjer requires special feeders. Feeders with either small holes or small mesh are required to prevent the seed from spilling on the ground as would happen with feeders with larger ports.

Do other birds eat nyjer seed?

Nyjer seed is one of the favorite seeds of goldfinches, Pine Siskins, Common Redpolls and other small-billed seed-eating birds. We've also seen nuthatches, chickadees, doves, Downy Woodpeckers, and other small birds eating it. And a bonus to feeding nyjer seed?

When should I put out nyjer seed?

For many birders, offering Nyjer in the winter is the best option, as many seed-eating birds are year-round residents but natural seed supplies are scarce in winter, so thistle seed feeders will be more popular.

Do finches prefer thistle or nyjer seed?

Nyjer Seed (aka niger seed or thistle seed) is a teeny-tiny, high-oil content seed (~40%) mostly favored by finches and siskins.

Does nyjer seed attract squirrels?

Nyjer is a tiny seed which goldfinches will crack open to eat the edible interior; squirrels and rats are generally not interested in this seed.

Do squirrels eat nyjer seed?

Squirrels' favorite natural foods are hickory nuts, pecans, black walnuts, and acorns. Their favorite feeder food is black oil sunflower seeds, their least favorite feeder food is Nyjer® (thistle) seed.

What type of feeder is best for nyjer seed?

The best type of bird feeders for feeding Nyjer are mesh or sock feeders. To prevent extra mess and wasted seed on the ground, look for a feeder that has a seed catching tray at the bottom. The seed tray will catch any uneaten seed that falls from the feeder and provide the birds with another opportunity to feed.

Does nyjer seed leave a mess?

A: It does leave waste but it is not as much as with other seeds, like sunflower shells. If you have your feeder on a solid ground or with woodchips, you will notice some mess. If you have it in the grass or in a garden with dirt, you will hardly notice anything.

Do cardinals like nyjer seed?

Bird seeds that have been known to attract Cardinals include black oil sunflower, cracked corn, suet, Nyjer® seed, mealworms, peanuts, safflower, striped sunflower, and sunflower hearts and chips.

How do I attract birds to my Nyjer feeder?

There are three easy options for offering nyjer to the birds. Tube Feeder – Tube feeders have small feeding ports with perches, which are perfect for goldfinches. Finches travel in flocks, so you may want a feeder with multiple feeding ports or even use a couple feeders.

What seed do sparrows not like?

First, House Sparrows don't particularly like nyjer seed, and it's almost never their first choice among foods. Second, most people put Nyjer seed inside of feeders that ONLY use Nyjer seed.

Why do goldfinches stopped coming to feeder?

During this part of the year, Goldfinches are busy, well....getting busy, so they tend not to visit our feeders as often as they do the rest of the year. But rest assured, they will be back in September in full force when they bring their fledglings with them!

Do finches eat Nyjer in the winter?

6. Nyjer/thistle seed. “Although it can be expensive, Nyjer, or thistle, seed is eagerly consumed by all the small finches—goldfinches, house, purple, and Cassin's finches, pine siskins, and redpolls,” says Thompson.

Do goldfinches eat Nyjer seeds?

One of the most common birds that loves Niger Seed is the Goldfinch, as the structure of the beak is ideally suited for such as tiny seed. However, you'll also see Pine Siskins, Common Redpolls and other small birds feeding.

How can you tell if Nyjer seeds are fresh?

Simple, take a few seeds and a piece of white printer paper or paper towel. Crush the seeds onto the paper and look for oil blotches. If oil stains are present the Nyjer® is still fresh. Purchase Nyjer® in smaller quantities to avoid any drying out of the seeds.

What is the best seed to attract finches?

They love Nyjer® Seed and Sunflower Seeds. These seeds are high in oil and easy to eat with their smaller beaks. Because finches prefer the combo of Nyjer® seed and socks, this duo is your best bet for attracting a bright yellow feathered friend.

Why aren't finches coming to my feeder?

Finches Need Clean Feeders Finches don't like dirty feeders and will avoid a feeder if it's moldy or otherwise unclean. When it rains, seed can also become clumpy, and the birds won't be able to pull seeds out of the feeder. Adding a weather guard to your feeder can prevent the seeds from getting wet and clumping.

10 What birds eat nyjer seed Images