Thistle is a flowering plant that produces dense clusters of small, prickly flowers. Many species of birds are attracted to the seeds of thistle as a food source. Here are some of the most common birds that enjoy feasting on thistle:
Goldfinches
Goldfinches are one of the birds most strongly associated with eating thistle seeds. Their sharp, pointed beaks allow them to easily extract the small seeds from the thistle head. Goldfinches flock to fields and areas with thistle growth and will cling to the plants while they eat. The American goldfinch and lesser goldfinch are two species attracted to thistle.
Sparrows
Many types of sparrows enjoy eating thistle seeds, including chipping sparrows, song sparrows, white-crowned sparrows, and house sparrows. Sparrows use their thick conical beaks to crack open the seeds. Large flocks of sparrows will descend on patches of thistle to fill up on the nutritious seeds.
Woodpeckers
Downy woodpeckers, red-bellied woodpeckers, northern flickers and other woodpeckers will eat both thistle seeds and insects they find living on thistle plants. Woodpeckers have chisel-like beaks well-adapted for getting at the seeds of thistles.
Finches
In addition to goldfinches, other true finch species like the purple finch may be attracted to thistle. Their notched beaks allow them to split open the seeds. Other finches such as pine siskins and American goldfinches also feed eagerly on thistle seeds when available.
Buntings
Indigo buntings and painted buntings sometimes include thistle seeds in their varied diet. They use their conical seed-cracking beaks to get at the tiny seeds tucked into the spiny flower heads.
Doves and Pigeons
Common ground doves, mourning doves, Eurasian collared doves, rock pigeons and band-tailed pigeons are examples of larger birds that will eat thistle seeds. Their sturdy beaks allow them to easily crack open the seeds.
Cardinals
Northern cardinals are frequent visitors to thistle plants, clinging to the spiny stems and flowers while they extract seeds. The large conical cardinal beak gives them an advantage in opening thistle seeds.
Grosbeaks
Rose-breasted grosbeaks and black-headed grosbeaks use their big powerful beaks to get at the meaty seeds hidden within the thistle flower heads. These larger songbirds thrive on the dense, nourishing seeds.
Sparrows
Many types of sparrows enjoy eating thistle seeds, including chipping sparrows, song sparrows, white-crowned sparrows, and house sparrows. Sparrows use their thick conical beaks to crack open the seeds. Large flocks of sparrows will descend on patches of thistle to fill up on the nutritious seeds.
Blackbirds
Red-winged blackbirds, yellow-headed blackbirds, Brewer’s blackbirds, and rusty blackbirds are some of the icterid species that will consume thistle seeds. They use their strong conical beaks suited for seed-eating to get at the seeds.
Jays
Blue jays, Steller’s jays, scrub jays and other jay species feed extensively on seeds and will readily eat thistle seeds when they find them. Their large powerful beaks allow them to easily split open the tough seeds.
Waxwings
Bohemian waxwings and cedar waxwings feed mainly on berries but will supplement their diet with seeds, including thistle seeds, when fruit is scarce. They eat the seeds by swallowing them whole.
Meadowlarks
Eastern meadowlarks and western meadowlarks use their pointed beaks to capture insects from thistle flowers while also extracting and eating the seeds. Other blackbird relatives like red-winged blackbirds also eat thistle.
Hummingbirds
While not eating the seeds, hummingbirds do feed on the nectar of thistle flowers, using their specialized long tongues. Ruby-throated hummingbirds, rufous hummingbirds and Anna’s hummingbirds may visit thistle blooms.
Other Birds Attracted to Thistle
In addition to the birds above, other species that may eat thistle seeds or feed from thistle flowers include:
- Purple finches
- Evening grosbeaks
- Cassin’s finches
- House finches
- Dark-eyed juncos
- Swallows
- Tanagers
- Wrens
- Thrushes
- Towhees
- Siskins
- Orioles
- Chickadees
Thistle provides an excellent source of seeds and nectar for many bird species. The diversity of birds attracted to thistle shows how valuable this plant is in providing food and sustenance for a wide array of birds.
Conclusion
Thistle is an important food source for many birds due to its nutrient-rich seeds protected within prickly flower heads. Goldfinches, sparrows, grosbeaks, jays, doves, woodpeckers and other birds use their specialized beaks to extract thistle seeds. Hummingbirds also feed on thistle nectar. Providing thistle plants can help attract and support a variety of wild bird species.