Finches are small seed-eating birds that can be found across North America. Two of the most popular types of bird seed offered to backyard finches are thistle and nyjer seed. But when given a choice, do finches actually prefer one type over the other? There are a few factors that may influence a finch’s seed preferences.
What are thistle and nyjer seeds?
Thistle seed comes from the thistle plant, which produces small seeds with hulls. The hulls are removed to produce hulled thistle seeds. Thistle seeds are small, elongated, and pointed on one end. They contain high amounts of oil and nutrients like protein and fat that finches need.
Nyjer seed, also known as niger seed or nyger seed, comes from the niger plant. The seeds are tiny, oval-shaped, and black in color. Nyjer seeds are rich in oil and contain other nutrients finches need like protein and fiber. However, nyjer seeds have very small shells so they don’t need to be hulled like thistle seeds.
Both thistle and nyjer seeds are excellent options for feeding finches. But one may be preferred over the other depending on the finch species, time of year, location, and other factors.
Finch species that enjoy thistle and nyjer seeds
Many finch species relish thistle and nyjer seeds, including:
American Goldfinch – This bright yellow finch loves both thistle and nyjer seeds. They are able to crack open nyjer shells with their pointed beaks. Goldfinches often flock to feeders with these seed types.
House Finch – Another finch partial to thistle and nyjer seeds. Watch for the red heads and breasts of males at feeders filled with these options.
Purple Finch – The male purple finch’s red head and raspberry-colored body make it easy to identify. This finch will readily eat both thistle and nyjer seeds.
Redpoll – Redpolls are northern finches that sometimes irrupt south in winter. Offer thistle and nyjer seeds to attract them during irruption years.
Pine Siskin – Siskins are small, brown striped finches. They are common at thistle and nyjer feeders, often feeding in large flocks.
Evening Grosbeak – The big, yellow grosbeak will visit platform feeders with thistle or nyjer seeds, particularly in winter.
Other finches like Cassin’s Finch, Common Redpoll, and more will also eat nyjer and thistle seeds. Most finches that visit feeders will consume these nutritious seeds.
When finches prefer thistle seeds
There are certain situations when thistle seed seems to be the top choice over nyjer for finches:
Cold weather – Finches tend to prefer thistle seeds in winter months when temperatures drop. The high fat and oil content of thistle provides finches with more energy and insulation from the cold. Nyjer seeds don’t have as much fat.
During migration – Similarly, thistle seeds provide migrating finches like goldfinches, siskins, and redpolls with ample fat and protein. Thistle helps fuel their long journeys.
High energy needs – In times when finches require more energy like periods of migration, winter, or egg laying, the extra fat and calories from thistle seeds make it a go-to.
East of the Rockies – Finches east of the Rockies seem to favor thistle seeds over nyjer overall. This may be because thistle plants are more common in eastern North America.
When attracting winter finches – For attracting irregular winter visitors like evening grosbeaks and pine grosbeaks, thistle seed is recommended as a tempting food source.
Thistle seeds are especially important for finches during periods of high energy needs or cold stress. For many finch species in eastern regions, thistle may be the top choice year-round.
When finches prefer nyjer seeds
Under certain conditions, nyjer seeds rise as the favorite seed for finches:
West of the Rockies – In western states, nyjer seeds tend to be preferred by finches over thistle seeds. This is likely because nyjer plants are native to drier regions.
Smaller finch species – The tiny nyjer seeds appeal to small finches like siskins, goldfinches, and Common/Hoary Redpolls. Their beaks are well-adapted for breaking open and eating these petite seeds.
In mild weather – When temperatures are warmer like spring through fall, the higher oil content of nyjer provides finches with ample energy without excess fat.
During nesting season – Protein-rich nyjer seeds help provide the nutrition finches need to build nests, lay eggs, and raise young.
On better quality feeders – The small nyjer seeds can leak out of cheap plastic feeders. Offering nyjer in quality feeders with small ports and no gaps can increase consumption.
Nyjer seeds seem most attractive to finches of the western states, nesting/breeding finches, and small finch species that can access the tiny seeds. High fat thistle is unnecessary during warmer months.
Nutritional comparison
Here is a nutritional breakdown of thistle seeds versus nyjer seeds:
Nutrient | Thistle Seeds | Nyjer Seeds |
---|---|---|
Protein | 12-15% | 15-20% |
Fat | 25-35% | 35-45% |
Fiber | 12-15% | 8-12% |
As you can see, both seeds are high in fat and protein. Thistle seeds contain a bit more fat and fiber, while nyjer seeds are higher in protein. Both provide the nutrients finches need. The differences lie in the amounts that may be preferred seasonally or by various species.
How to offer both thistle and nyjer seeds
Rather than having to choose between thistle and nyjer seeds, you can offer both in your backyard to attract a diversity of finches. Here are some tips:
– Use separate feeders – Position a thistle feeder and a nyjer feeder in different spots of your yard. Finches can pick their preferred seed.
– Offer a mix – Fill a single feeder with a mix of both thistle and nyjer seeds so finches have options.
– Rotate seeds – Switch between thistle and nyjer every few weeks to provide variety.
– Try tube feeders – Use tube feeders with small ports specifically made for nyjer seeds to reduce waste.
– Adjust seasonally – Put out more thistle seed in winter and more nyjer in summer based on seasonal finch preferences.
– Observe favorites – Pay attention to which seeds your yard finches favor and adjust feeders accordingly.
Providing both nyjer and thistle seed will satisfy the nutritional and taste preferences of a wider range of finch species and individuals throughout the year.
Conclusion
In conclusion, thistle and nyjer seeds both provide excellent nutrition for finches and attract a variety of species. Though there are situations where one is favored over the other depending on region, season, and species, offering both seed types will appeal to the broadest range of finches. Adjusting the amounts of each seed available based on observations of finch flocks and their preferences can help backyard birders maximize visits from these lively songbirds. Whether thistle or nyjer seeds, maintaining well-stocked finch feeders will bring in a diversity of these beautiful, energetic birds year-round.