Nyjer (Thistle) Feeders
Nyjer seed is sometime refered to as thistle seed. It's a
small seed that is high in oil content, making it high in
energy and an ideal food for small birds. The bird most
commonly attracted with a nyjer feeder is the goldfinch. The
American goldfinch mainly eats grain (is granivorous) but it
is diurnal, as it will also sometimes eat insects. In its
natural setting it will feed on the seed of small annuals,
mainly weeds, grass, and some trees. This includes thistle,
dandelion, teasel, ragweed, sunflower, and more.
Nyjer feeders can also attract other small birds such as
house finches, purple finches, and pine siskins.
The goldfinch is one of those birds that uses its feet while
feeding, Some thistle feeder designs take advantage of this
to put the feeder ports under the perch, making it harder for
pests to encroach on the feeder.
These feeders have smaller ports to control the small thistle
or nyjer seed. Some have slots for the feeder ports. Like any
bird feeder you will want to mount it on a pole or a building
in a place that is not accessable by sqirrels or cats. For a
pole you may want to use a squirrel baffle as well. Some
nyjer feeders have a cage to discourage large birds and
squirrels. If you have a problem with squirrels a caged
feeder is probably your best choice, as the baffles on the
tops of many thistle feeders are made of plastic and won't do
much to slow down the squirrels.