Niger seed is one of the favorite seeds of goldfinches, Pine Siskins, Common Redpolls and other small-billed seed-eating birds. We've also seen nuthatches, chickadees, doves, Downy Woodpeckers, and other small birds eating it. ... So hang those niger feeders and enjoy the finches and other birds!

Do Greenfinches eat niger seed?

Like most finches, the greenfinch loves to eat Niger seeds and other mixed seeds with a high nutrition factor. Throughout the seasons they will eat a mix of nuts and seeds, however, during the cold winter months, they can often be found snacking on small bugs and even shoots from trees and bushes.

What kind of birds eat Nyjer seeds?

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 seeds do Greenfinches like?

Greenfinch diet

Their diet in the garden primarily consists of black sunflower seeds or hearts, peanuts, a variety of seed mixes, as well as insects. They are more than content to sit on hanging feeders and will happily feed in the company of other garden birds.

Do chipmunks like niger seed?

Both Nyjer and safflower have a bitter taste that can discourage chipmunks, though they may still eat some of the seed. Use quarter-inch metal mesh to create a cage on the ground around a feeder. Anchor the cage well and watch for chipmunks to dig beneath it.

Young greenfinch feeding on nyjer seeds close-up

Why are finches not eating nyjer seed?

Nancy Castillo, co-owner of the Wild Birds Unlimited store in Saratoga Springs, New York, and author of the blog Zen Birdfeeder, points out that Nyjer contains natural high-calorie oils that attract finches. When the oils dry out, the seed loses both its food value and its flavor, and birds shun it.

What type of feeder is best for nyjer seed?

The best type of bird feeders for feeding Nyjer are mesh or sock feeders. To prevent extra mess and wasted seed on the ground, look for a feeder that has a seed catching tray at the bottom. The seed tray will catch any uneaten seed that falls from the feeder and provide the birds with another opportunity to feed.

What is the best food for Greenfinches?

Greenfinches rely on seeds and their large bills allow them to be able to eat a wide variety. They show some preference for seeds held within fleshy fruits, such as rosehips, though often ignore the fruit and just eat the seed. During the autumn, seeds from yew and hawthorn are important, and in the winter, bramble.

How do I attract Greenfinches to my garden?

Greenfinches use moss, twigs, horsehair and lichen predominantly in their nests. They like to nest in hedges, bushes and trees, but prefer dense shrubbery and hedges the most. Other ways to encourage Greenfinch activity in your garden are to generally have some shrubbery, nearby trees or bushes for them to land on.

Are goldfinches rare in Ireland?

The goldfinch is one of Ireland's most widespread and colourful small birds; though that bright plumage almost brought them close to extinction. ... The goldfinch is a striking and highly coloured, resident finch though the native population may be increased by winter migrants from Europe.

What is the best seed for goldfinches?

Although goldfinches will eat most small seeds, they love thistle (Nyjer) and sunflower seeds. Keep goldfinches coming back by replacing uneaten food every three to four weeks. Make sure the seed stays dry. Most tube and mesh feeders are fine; a sock feeder also works well.

Will nyjer seed germinate?

This plant seed is also sold under the trademark name Nyjer. It does not germinate and sprout in your lawn--for one very good reason. ... Since it is sterilized it will not sprout under your bird feeder. This is a favorite food of small finches such as goldfinches, siskins, and house finches.

How do I attract birds to my Nyjer feeder?

1. Place Feeders Where Finches Feel Safe. ...
2. Temporarily Remove Other Feeders. ...
3. Finches Feed on Fresh Black Seed. ...
4. Add Brightly Colored Ribbons & Plants. ...
5. Finches Need Clean Feeders. ...
6. Seed-Bearing Plants Attract Finches. ...
7. Give Black Oil Sunflower Seed a Try. ...
8. Finches Rarely Finish Their Food.

Which UK birds eat niger seeds?

Niger seed is one of the favorite seeds of goldfinches, Pine Siskins, Common Redpolls and other small-billed seed-eating birds. We've also seen nuthatches, chickadees, doves, Downy Woodpeckers, and other small birds eating it.

Who eats Niger seeds?

Most birds will eat Niger Seed, however some favour it more than others. One of the most common birds that loves Niger Seed is the Goldfinch, as the structure of the beak is ideally suited for such as tiny seed. However, you'll also see Pine Siskins, Common Redpolls and other small birds feeding.

What seed do goldfinches eat?

Goldfinches eat seeds almost exclusively. Main types include seeds from composite plants (in the family Asteraceae: sunflowers, thistle, asters, etc.), grasses, and trees such as alder, birch, western red cedar, and elm. At feeders prefers nyjer and sunflower.

Are Greenfinches shy?

Although quite sociable, they are not shy in using their size and weight to squabble among themselves or with other birds at the bird table, and will often be seen side by side with feeding Goldfinches. ... The female and young birds are duller and have brown tones on the back.

Where do Greenfinches nest?

Greenfinches tend to nest in rather loose colonies, with evergreen shrubs providing perfect sites for the placement of their nest, built with twigs, moss and grass, and lined with roots and hair.

Are Greenfinches ground feeders?

They will happily eat seeds from a bird table, even one that is covered. They don't mind feeding on the ground either so if your garden is predator-free, feel free to sprinkle some seeds in a little open space.

What happened to Greenfinches?

Greenfinch populations declined during the late 1970s and early 1980s, but increased dramatically during the 1990s. A recent decline in numbers has been linked to an outbreak of trichomonosis, a parasite-induced disease which prevents the birds from feeding properly.

Do Greenfinches nest in boxes?

Usually only birds that are cavity nesters will use bird houses or boxes in which to build a nest. Goldfinches are not cavity nesters, they prefer to build their nests in trees and hedgerows. It is very unlikely that Goldfinches will choose to take up residence in a bird house.

Are Greenfinches in decline?

Unfortunately, Greenfinches are in rapid decline. Lots of work needs to be done to support Greenfinches as some scientists believe they may be heading for endangered status. The decline in population by 59% in the 10 years up to 2016 was caused by a disease called Trichomonosis.

Why do birds throw seed out of feeder?

Birds will dig in to find the food they prefer and in doing this, they will dislodge any other seeds which are in the way, so that they fall out of the feeder. It may also be the quality of the seed you are feeding them. ... They then discard these husks, which look like they are throwing the seed away.

Will squirrels eat Nyjer seed?

Squirrels love birdseed (as well as nuts, sunflower seeds, fruit, and corn), but they don't favor everything that birds eat. So stock your bird feeder with such fare as safflower seed, nyjer seed, and white proso millet, which squirrels don't care for and they'll likely head elsewhere for their next meal.

Does nyjer seed attract rodents?

Yes, but it depends on the type of birdseed. Rats find Nyjer seeds less appealing. Some rats are attracted to seed husks, which is something that you have to avoid if possible.