finches

How to Attract Finches: Why Cheap Nyjer Seed Is Costing You Birds

by
How To Attract Finches

Attracting finches can involve more waiting than people expect, especially when a new feeder is filled with seed that local birds are not using. For American Goldfinches, nyjer and sunflower are both strong food choices, but freshness, feeder design, local bird presence, weather, and natural food all affect traffic. Start with small amounts of good … Read more

Nyjer vs Thistle Seed: They’re Not the Same (And It Matters)

by
Nyjer Vs Thistle Seed

The seed sold as “thistle” for finches is not true thistle seed. It comes from Guizotia abyssinica, an African member of the daisy family whose common name is niger; Nyjer is the trademarked spelling widely used by the North American bird-feeding industry. Imported niger seed must receive an approved phytosanitary treatment before U.S. entry, commonly … Read more