Nyjer Seed - 10 lb

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.
Depending on crops, import prices, and retailer options, however, it
can also be one of the most expensive birdseeds. To lower the cost, many
backyard birders prefer to offer Nyjer in limited quantities or will
choose specialized feeders to ensure the seed is not accidentally
spilled and wasted. Nyjer is also often found in finch mix or canary
birdseed blends, often with sunflower chips or small millet seeds that also appeal to the birds that eat Nyjer. Because these mixes
have smaller proportions of Nyjer, they are often less expensive than
pure thistle seed.

Birds that prefer Nyjer are seed-eating bird species. They typically
have smaller, sharply-pointed bills that can easily manipulate such tiny
seeds to crack shells and extract the rich seeds. Many Nyjer-loving
birds are also called clinging birds because of their habit of
acrobatically clinging to the sides of feeders rather than perching
while feeding, and many of them can even eat upside down. 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.
These larger seed-eating birds will also gather beneath specialized
Nyjer feeders and sift through discarded shells for any seeds that have
been spilled.

The most popular birds that eat Nyjer include the following:

• American Goldfinch
• Common redpolls
• Dark eyed Juncos
• European goldfinches
• House Finches
• Indigo buntings
• Goldfinches
• Mourning Doves
• Pine Siskins
• Sparrows

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.


Also available in 50lb bag 700566

Shipping Charge May Apply*