Thistle Seed Feeders

Thistle (Nyjer) feeders are very popular for backyard use. They are specially designed for small birds, mostly gold finches, but also pine siskins and redpolls. Finches cling to any open spot on the tube and a dozen birds might feed at once!

These feeders do not really hold thistle, but are for a tiny, black seed called Nyjer, which is often called thistle. This seed is imported from Asia and Africa. All shipments are heat sterilized to prevent germination. They are high in both calorie and oil content which attracts these birds. Since this seed is relatively expensive, it is a good idea to use feeders designed especially to hold Nyjer in order to avoid waste.

The seeds are quite small and more expensive per pound than other seeds. Therefore, to avoid wasting any, it is a good idea to offer it in sturdy, specially designed thistle feeders. These thistle bird feeders are usually made of a screening material that birds can cling to and pull out the seeds. Nyjer is adored by Gold finches. If they are in your area when you hang thistle feeders, the Gold finches will find these bird feeders very quickly. Also attracted will be house finches, pine siskins and purple finches. If you offer nyjer in platform feeders, many more birds can feed at a time which may be necessary during migration time. The problem with this method is seed will be lost when the wind blows for it is very lightweight. It will also be scattered all over the ground. If you have 100 or more Gold finches, which can happen during the spring, using platform bird feeders for a thin layer of nyjer may be necessary, but also very entertaining. If the Gold finches suddenly move on, the other small birds will be happy to clean up any spilled nyjer seed.