Nyjer Seed - commonly known as niger or thistle seed - is a small black seed popular with Winter Finches and other seed-eating birds. This thin seed is high in oil, making it a nutritious source of energy. Some birders prefer straight Nyjer seed, and others prefer a variety mix like Finch Mix which contains a variety of smaller seeds for the Nyjer loving flyers. 

The perfect feeders for Nyjer seed have small mesh or tiny feeding ports that release the seed without spilling it. Offering Nyjer in the winter months in a durable metal mesh feeder is ideal, as most seed-eating feathered friends are year-round residents. Natural seed supplies are scarce in the winter so the Nyjer feeders are very popular. 

Birds with smaller, sharply-pointed bills are the usual suspects that feast on Nyjer seed. It is much easier for these seed-eating birds to manipulate the tiny seeds, and crack the shells to get at the meat inside. Some Birders refer to this group of feathered friends as "clinging birds" because of their habit of acrobatically clinging to the sides of feeders.

Nyjer Seed lovers and frequenters...

• House Finches and Goldfinches
• Common Redpoll
• Juncos
• Buntings
• Tanagers