What type of birds eat nyjer seed?

Can you feed Nyger seeds to birds in your garden?

Feeding nyger seeds to birds in your garden happens via the seed feeder that is designed to accommodate small nyger seeds, or simply throw over the lawn. That way you can feed the birds that eat off the feeders, well those birds that only eat off the ground don’t go without.

Is Nyjer the same as bird seed?

About Nyjer. Nyjer is a small, thin, black seed from the African yellow daisy (Guizotia abyssinica). Though it is not related to the thistle plant, Nyjer is often referred to casually as “thistle seed.” High in oil, it is a nutritious source of energy for backyard birds and is one of the most popular types of birdseed.

Can you feed Nyjer seeds?

That’s not in the wild mind you; nyjerseeds are not grown in Britain so nyjer can only be fed to birds that frequent our gardens – which is bought by you. Therefore, its only a select few that we can offer nyger seeds to and most of those visit our gardens already, so you’re not short of feeding opportunities.

What birds eat nyjer seed?

Bully birds like grackles, starlings and blackbirds tend to leave nyjer seed alone. Make sure the seed stays dry, and replace uneaten food every few weeks.

What is new Nyger seed?

Nyger, sometimes seen spelt nyjer or sold as ‘thistle’ seed, is a relatively new addition to the bird feeding market and it is one that initially found favour with Goldfinches – which seemed to like the small size of these seeds. Because these seeds are so small they have to be supplied in a specially adapted feeder.

Can I feed niger seed to my garden birds?

If you aren’t already feeding it to your garden birds, we recommend giving it a try. Niger Seed is a fraction of the size of sunflower hearts, but together they provide a great combo mix to ensure some of our favourite feathered friends remain well nourished.

What is Nyger bird seed?

Nyger, niger or thistle bird seed are all names for the same bird seed from Africa. The official name, nyjer, was picked in 1988 so as not to offend anyone with the name niger or to confuse anyone about it possibly being a thistle seed. It is not our common thistle that we consider a weed here in…

Is Nyjer the same as thistle seed?

Though it is not related to the thistle plant, Nyjer is often referred to casually as “thistle seed.” High in oil, it is a nutritious source of energy for backyard birds and is one of the most popular types of birdseed. Depending on crops, import prices and retailer options, however, it can also be one of the most expensive birdseeds.

What do Nyjer birds eat?

These foraging habits help them feed on the natural seeds of flowers, which could be at unusual angles or waving in the wind when the birds are eating. Still, other bird species that feed on Nyjer are ground-feeding birds that will forage in leaf litter after flowers have shed their seeds.

Do I need a Nyjer feeder to attract birds?

Birds with larger, less adept bills such as cardinals, starlings and grosbeaks cannot easily munch on thistle seed, and they are more likely to use other feeders and try other seeds instead. If any of these are the types of birds a backyard birder wants to attract, a Nyjer feeder is not necessary.

Is nyjer seed good for birds?

Nyjer seed is very popular with seed eating birds. Knowing the types of birds that enjoy eating the nyjer seed can help birders choose the right birdseed feeders for the backyard. Where does the nyjer seed some from?

Where does the nyjer seed come from?

Nyjer seed is very popular with seed eating birds. Knowing the types of birds that enjoy eating the nyjer seed can help birders choose the right birdseed feeders for the backyard. Where does the nyjer seed some from? The African yellow daisy. Although the nyjer seed is not at all related to the thistle plant, it is commonly called thistle seed.

What bird eats Nyjer?

The most popular birds that eat Nyjer include the following: Nyjer is a popular seed with many other finches, sparrows, doves, towhees, quail, and buntings. Even unexpected birds may try a bite of Nyjer when it is offered, and woodpeckers, thrushes, chickadees, and other birds have been spotted snacking at thistle seed feeders.

What birds do not like Nyjer?

Orioles, waxwings, and other strongly frugivorous species will not pay any attention to Nyjer, and nectar-loving birds such as hummingbirds will also ignore a Nyjer feeder.

What is the best nyjer seed feeder to attract finches?

If you want the best nyjer seed feeder to attract finches, look no further than the Droll Yankees. It is durable, easy to clean, and suitable for attracting and feeding in a yard with a dozen or more finches.

Is niger seed good for birds?

Because niger seed is rich in oil and high in nutrition, it makes it an outstanding food for garden birds all year round. It’s even better used as winter bird food as it will give garden birds an extra calorie hit that will help them store fat to keep them warm.

Where does Nyjer come from?

This seed goes by other names, including niger and nyger. It is believed to have originated in Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Malawi and it is also grown in India. The word Nyjer® is a registered trademark of the Wild Bird Feeding Institute.

Can you grow Nyjer in North America?

According to the Loegerings, attempts have been made to grow a type of Nyjer in North America. A Niger Growers Group was even formed. By 2002, a plant had been developed and seeds were produced…and no bird would touch it. The group contacted the Loegerings and asked them to figure out why birds wouldn’t eat the seeds.

What kind of birds eat Nyjer?

American Goldfinch eating nyjer seed. Birds That Eat Thistle Seed Lure American goldfinches, pine siskins, dark-eyed juncos and chickadees with nyjer, a tiny black seed that is sometimes called thistle. Nyjer seeds come from the African yellow daisy.

Can finches eat nyjer seed?

Serve nyjer seed in a tube or mesh feeder hung away from other feeders, so tiny birds can feed without disruption from larger species like blue jays. Here’s how to choose a nyjer feeder for finches.

Is nyjer seed safe for birds?

#1 Hi, I was recommended to put out nyjer seed in the garden but out of the wide variety of bird food we’ve tried, it’s the only kind that all the birds routinely avoid. I don’t understand it.

What is the best sock feeder for Finch?

Kaytee Finch Sock Feeder is a great choice, plus it is already pre-filled with thistle seeds so you can just hang them outside once you get home. Of course once you run out of seeds, you can refill these sock feeders easily as it has a drawstring at the top.