Nyjer seed, also known as thistle seed, is a tiny black seed that is highly popular among backyard bird enthusiasts. This oil-rich seed attracts finches, siskins, goldfinches, redpolls, pine siskins, doves, and sparrows. Its small size and thin shell make it accessible to birds of all sizes. Nyjer seed offers birds a high-fat, high-protein diet that is similar to their natural food sources. This nutritional profile is why nyjer seed is such an excellent option for backyard bird feeders. But which specific bird species can you expect to visit your nyjer seed feeder?
Goldfinches
One of the birds most likely to frequent a nyjer seed feeder is the goldfinch. The American goldfinch and lesser goldfinch are small North American songbirds. Their bright yellow plumage makes them easy to identify. Goldfinches have thin, cone-shaped bills that are perfect for cracking open nyjer seeds. The fatty composition of nyjer is similar to the natural thistle seeds that goldfinches consume. This makes it an ideal supplemental food source. Goldfinches will often travel in large flocks, so a nyjer seed feeder may attract dozens of them at a time. They will cling to all sides of the feeder as they energetically pick out the tiny black seeds.
Siskins
Both pine siskins and Eurasian siskins are small, streaky brown finches that have a fondness for nyjer seed. Their narrow pointed bills allow them to extract the tiny seeds. Pine siskins are common throughout North America, while Eurasian siskins are found in Europe and Asia. Siskins typically travel and forage in noisy flocks. A nyjer seed feeder is likely to draw in a flock of siskins that will quickly clean out the seeds. Siskins breed very far north during the summer. But they migrate in variable numbers into backyards further south each winter in search of food sources like nyjer seed.
Redpolls
Redpolls are another type of migratory finch species attracted to nyjer seed. This includes the common redpoll and hoary redpoll. Redpolls are small, active birds with red caps, black chins, and a boldly streaked body. Their sharply pointed bills allow them to easily pry open nyjer seeds. Large flocks of redpolls descend on northern backyards each winter. A nyjer seed feeder will provide them with the fatty food they need in harsh conditions. Unlike other finches, redpolls are able to cling and hang upside down from feeders while they pick out seeds.
Doves
In addition to finches, certain species of doves will also eat nyjer seed from backyard feeders. For instance, mourning doves and Eurasian collared-doves both have thin, pointed bills adapted for eating small seeds. Their larger bodies and thick necks allow them to swallow more nyjer seeds at a time compared to smaller finches. Doves pick up the seeds one at a time and tilt their head back to swallow each one whole. Backyard feeders stocked with nyjer will attract these birds, along with occasional other dove species such as rock pigeons and ring-necked doves.
Sparrows
Some types of sparrows will also visit nyjer seed feeders, although they are not the primary targets of this specialized seed. Sparrows such as house sparrows and Eurasian tree sparrows have thicker conical bills adapted more for eating gritty seeds, grains, and insects. However their opportunistic nature leads them to try out backyard nyjer feeders. With enough time and effort, they can pick out the tiny seeds. More often, they will wait below the feeder for fallen seeds. Certain sparrows may also displace the smaller finches from nyjer feeders at times.
Other Birds
In addition to the birds described above, nyjer seed may occasionally attract juncos, buntings, chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers, grosbeaks, and other species. However finches, siskins, redpolls, and doves are by far the most common visitors to this type of specialized bird food.
Conclusion
Nyjer seed, also known as thistle seed, is specially designed to attract finches and similar birds. Its small size and thin shell make it perfect for tiny pointed bills. The oil rich composition offers birds a nutritious, natural food source. Goldfinches, siskins, redpolls, and doves are among the most frequent visitors to nyjer seed feeders. They will often flock in large noisy groups, eagerly emptying the feeder. Sparrows and other birds may occasionally partake but are not the intended target. Overall nyjer seed allows you to easily attract beautiful, lively finches and their relatives to your backyard.
| Bird Type | Examples | Reasons They Like Nyjer |
|---|---|---|
| Finches | Goldfinches, siskins, redpolls | Pointed bills open nyjer shells. Fatty seed mimics natural diet. |
| Doves | Mourning doves, Eurasian collared-doves | Thin pointed bills can access seeds. Larger size allows more consumption. |
| Sparrows | House sparrows, Eurasian tree sparrows | Thick conical bills can crack seeds. Opportunistic feeding. |
This table summarizes the main bird groups attracted to nyjer seed feeders, along with example species and the reasons the seed appeals to them.
Setting Up a Nyjer Seed Feeder
To set up a nyjer seed feeder that will attract finches to your yard, follow these tips:
Choose the Right Feeder
Select a specialized nyjer seed feeder with small ports and a catch tray. This allows access for finches while minimizing waste.
Use Fresh Seed
Nyjer seed can go bad quickly in warm, humid weather. Buy seed in small batches and replace it frequently.
Pick a Good Location
Hang feeders near trees or shrubs where birds can perch first. Protect from rain and wind.
Discourage Sparrows
Place feeders away from bushes where sparrows hide. Use feeders with weight-sensitive perches.
Clean Regularly
Wash feeders in soapy water every few weeks to prevent spread of bacteria.
Common Nyjer Seed Feeders
The best feeders for nyjer seed have small ports, thin perches, and catch trays. Here are popular styles:
Mesh Tube Feeders
Mesh tubes allow clinging birds like goldfinches to access seeds all around. Drainage holes reduce buildup.
Sock Feeders
These stretchy mesh socks hold nyjer while allowing birds to cling anywhere. Drain excess rainwater.
Thistle Tube Feeders
Cylindrical tubes with small ports specifically designed for tiny nyjer seeds. Some have perches.
Finch Flocker Feeders
Rectangular feeders with multiple raised ports for easy clinging and feeding by groups of finches.
Conclusion
With their tiny size and appealing nutritional profile, nyjer seeds are specially designed to attract backyard finches. Goldfinches, siskins, redpolls, and doves are especially fond of nyjer. A quality nyjer seed feeder with small ports will draw in these lively birds. Be sure to fill it with fresh seeds often and clean it regularly. Follow these tips to enjoy watching flocks of beautiful finches feast on nyjer at your feeder.
