There are a few potential reasons why birds may not be eating the nyjer seed you have provided:
The seed may be stale
Nyjer seed can go stale over time, especially if stored in hot or humid conditions. Stale seed is less appetizing and nutritious for birds. Try purchasing fresh nyjer seed and see if the birds show more interest. Nyjer seed should be used within 6 months of purchase for optimal freshness.
You may not have the right bird species visiting
Nyjer seed, also known as thistle seed, is favoured by finches and pine siskins in particular. Other bird species tend to prefer different types of bird seed, like millet or sunflower seeds. If you’re mostly seeing sparrows, doves, or cardinals, they likely won’t eat much nyjer seed. Try putting out a mix of seeds to attract a wider range of bird species.
Squirrels or other animals may be scaring the birds away
Aggressive squirrels and other animals that eat bird seed can scare smaller birds away from feeders. Make sure feeders are placed in open spaces away from trees and cover where squirrels can hide. Using feeders designed with weight-sensitive perches can also help limit access for heavy squirrels while allowing lighter birds to feed.
Birds may not associate your yard with food yet
If you recently filled your feeders, it may take some time for birds to discover this new food source. Be patient and keep the feeders filled regularly. It can take days or weeks for birds to establish a routine route that includes your yard. Try sprinkling some extra seed on the ground to catch their attention.
Nearby food sources may be plentiful
When natural food is abundant, such as during springtime or fruit tree season, birds are less likely to visit feeders. Don’t take it personally! Keep offering the nyjer seed consistently and the birds will return during leaner times.
When and how to offer nyjer seed
Nyjer seed can be offered to wild birds year-round in most climates. Here are some tips for offering it effectively:
Use specialty “thistle sock” or tube feeders
The small size of nyjer requires a specialized feeder with tiny ports or meshes. Platform feeders designed for larger seeds won’t work as well. Hang up feeders made specifically for nyjer/thistle seed. Make sure any mesh holes are 1/16″ or smaller.
Avoid blends that mix in filler seeds
Many commercial mixes add lots of millet, oats, and other fillers that birds will sort through to pick out the nyjer. Stick to pure nyjer seed or blends with at least 70% nyjer seed content.
Offer fresh water for bathing and drinking
Nyjer seed has a high oil content, so providing a fresh water source nearby allows birds to maintain feather condition. Offer a birdbath or fountain, change water daily.
Clean feeders regularly to prevent mold
The small seed hulls can accumulate at the bottom of feeders, getting moldy. Clean feeders with a mild bleach solution at least every 2-4 weeks. Rinse well and let dry completely before refilling.
Store nyjer seed properly to maintain freshness
Keep nyjer seed in a sealed, airtight container in a cool, dry place. Avoid storage in hot garages or humid outdoor sheds. Refrigeration can prolong freshness for up to 1 year.
| Month | How much nyjer seed to offer |
|---|---|
| December-February | Up to 100% nyjer seed mix |
| March-May | 70-90% nyjer seed mix with some filler seeds |
| June-August | 40-50% nyjer seed mix |
| September-November | 70-90% nyjer seed mix |
What birds like to eat nyjer seeds?
Nyjer seed is a particular favorite of finches, pine siskins, and redpolls. Specific birds that relish nyjer include:
American Goldfinch
The bright yellow males and olive females cluster at nyjer feeders. Goldfinches often nest late in summer, so nyjer helps sustain them and their young.
House Finch
Red-headed males and brown females visit most readily in flocks from late fall into spring when natural food is limited.
Purple Finch
Males sport deep raspberry red plumage while females are streaked brown. Mainly winter visitors that travel in flocks east of the Rockies.
Red Crossbill
Named for the crossed tips of their mandibles, these nomadic birds extract the small seeds. They may turn up anytime if nyjer is available.
Pine Siskin
Small, brown streaked birds that often arrive in big winter flocks, swarming nyjer feeders.
Common Redpoll
Petite and hyperactive, redpolls are arctic birds that may appear at feeders in winter if their northern food supplies are scarce.
Evening Grosbeak
Stocky yellow and black finches that congregate where nyjer and sunflower seeds are plentiful, primarily in the northeastern US and Canada.
| Bird Species | Appearance | Unique Traits |
|---|---|---|
| American Goldfinch | Yellow body, black forehead (male) Olive-yellow body (female) |
Undulating flight pattern, late nesting season |
| House Finch | Red head and breast (male) Brown body with streaks (female) |
Very social, travels in large flocks |
| Purple Finch | Raspberry red body (male) Brown body with streaks (female) |
East of the Rockies range, wingbars |
| Red Crossbill | Red body with darker wings, crossed bill tips | Extracts seeds from cones, nomadic habits |
| Pine Siskin | Brown streaked body, yellow wingbars | Gregarious winter flocks, range expands in winter |
| Common Redpoll | Streaked brown and red, black chin | Tiny and hyper, northern arctic species |
| Evening Grosbeak | Yellow and black finch, large bill | Irruptive winter flocks, northeastern range |
How to attract more nyjer-eating birds to your feeders
To increase visits by finches, redpolls, and pine siskins that enjoy nyjer seed, try these tactics:
Offer fresh, pure nyjer seed
Use high quality, pure nyjer seed and change it frequently to attract birds from around your neighborhood. Don’t use old, stale seed.
Use specialty “thistle sock” feeders
The gold standard tube-shaped mesh feeder will entice finches to stop by. Make sure the mesh openings are appropriately sized for nyjer.
Include a variety of feeders
Offer nyjer but also add black oil sunflower, suet feeders, millet, and peanuts to draw in more species. Variety brings in more birds.
Add birdbaths and fruit
Finches appreciate fresh water for bathing and fruit like halved oranges to supplement their diet. Meeting these needs builds loyalty.
Limit squirrel access
Prevent large pests like squirrels from taking over feeders. Use feeder styles that exclude them and place feeders in open areas away from trees and fences.
Set up visibility breaks
Small birds feel safer if they can duck out of sight while feeding. Arrange feeders and vegetation to create little visual barriers.
Avoid moving feeders frequently
Let birds develop a routine and rely on your feeders. Switching spots too often will disrupt their daily habits.
Be patient!
It takes time for birds to find new feeders and integrate them into their routines. Allow a few weeks before expecting to see results.
| Tactic | How it Helps |
|---|---|
| Fresh, pure nyjer seed | Ensure the seed has highest appeal and nutrition |
| Thistle tube feeders | Allows easy access to the tiny seeds |
| Variety of feeders | Attracts more species to your yard |
| Birdbaths and fruit | Provides water and supplements diet |
| Limit squirrels | Prevents aggressive animals from scaring birds off |
| Visibility breaks | Gives shy birds a place to retreat while feeding |
| Keep feeders in same spots | Lets birds develop reliable daily routine |
| Be patient | Allows time for birds to find and get used to new feeders |
Conclusion
Nyjer seed in specialized feeders can attract gorgeous and interesting finches and pine siskins to your backyard. But it may take some experimenting to figure out the right setup and some patience for birds to discover your new feeders. Use high quality fresh nyjer seed, limit access for aggressive animals like squirrels, and give birds time to adjust for best success at attracting nyjer-loving birds. The splash of color and activity nyjer-eating birds bring will be well worth your efforts!
