Many backyard bird enthusiasts take pleasure in attracting a variety of feeder birds to their gardens by offering wild bird feed mixes in bird feeders. A popular choice in some mixes is thistle, also known as nyjer seed. But can birds actually eat thistle seeds? In this detailed blog post, we will examine the suitability of thistle seeds for wild birds, their nutritional value, how to properly feed thistle to birds, and address some frequently asked questions on the topic.
Key Takeaways : Thistle Seeds for Birds
- Thistle seeds, or nyjer seeds, are safe and nutritious for many backyard birds to eat
- Finches, including goldfinches, house finches, and purple finches, especially enjoy thistle
- Thistle seeds are high in oil content and provide a good source of energy for birds
- Use a specific nyjer seed feeder with small ports to prevent the tiny seeds from spilling out
- Keep thistle seed feeders clean to avoid mold growth and discard any wet or clumped seeds
To ensure easy access to the seeds and attract a variety of birds, it’s important to use a specialized bird feeder, such as a finch tube feeder or finch sock, specifically designed for thistle seeds.
Can Birds Eat Thistle Seeds?
The short answer is yes, many wild birds can safely consume thistle seeds. Also known as nyjer seeds or niger seed, these tiny black seeds originate from the African yellow daisy plant and are not related to the prickly thistle weeds found in many gardens and fields.
Thistle seeds are particularly favoured by many small finches, including American goldfinches, house finches, and purple finches. Additionally, some ground-feeding birds such as juncos, doves, and sparrows may eat thistle if it is scattered on the ground or placed in a platform feeder.
Nutritional Information about Thistle Seeds for Birds
| Nutrient | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30-40 |
| Protein | High |
| Fibre | High |
| Vitamins | Present |
| Minerals | Present |
Thistle seeds are rich in nutrients and provide numerous benefits for backyard birds. These small black seeds have a high oil content, with a fat composition of about 30-40%. This makes them an excellent energy source for active birds, particularly during the winter months. Thistle seeds also contain a significant amount of protein, fibre, and various vitamins and minerals essential for maintaining bird health.
The high oil content supplies birds with the energy needed for flying, keeping warm, breeding, and other activities. Birds that consume nyjer seeds, such as those with small pointed bills and clinging birds, gain substantial benefits from their high oil content, making thistle seeds a valuable energy source.
Are there any dangers of Thistle Seeds for Birds?
Thistle seeds are generally very safe for birds to eat. Unlike some other types of bird seed like black oil sunflower seeds, thistle seeds do not have any hard outer shells that could potentially cause crop impaction if consumed in large quantities. The main risk with feeding thistle is that the high oil content makes the seeds prone to going rancid if they get wet. Moldy or rancid seed can make birds sick. Therefore, it is important to keep thistle seed dry and discard any clumped or wet seeds that could harbor bacteria.
How to Feed Thistle Seeds to Birds Using Specific Nyjer Seed Feeders?
To feed nyjer seeds to your backyard birds, it is advisable to use a specific thistle seed feeder. Due to the tiny size of these seeds, they will easily fall through standard feeder ports.
Seek out a long tube feeder with very small feeding ports that will retain the thistle seeds while allowing birds to extract them. Thistle socks are another popular option. You can hang multiple thistle feeders to accommodate more finches. Placing the feeders near trees or shrubs can also make the finches feel more at ease.
It is not recommended to scatter thistle on the ground, as the seeds can quickly become wet and mouldy. To effectively attract a variety of wild birds, especially those with smaller, pointed bills, it is important to use specialised bird feeders such as finch tube feeders or mesh sock feeders for offering nyjer seeds.
What Care to Take While Feeding Thistle Seeds?
Maintaining the freshness and dryness of thistle seeds as bird food is crucial for attracting specific bird species such as finches, goldfinches, chickadees, and sparrows. The primary consideration when feeding nyjer seeds is to keep them fresh and dry, as their high oil content makes them susceptible to spoiling if exposed to moisture.
Avoid hanging thistle feeders in areas where they will get wet from sprinklers or rain. Check thistle feeders daily and discard any wet or mouldy seed. Regularly clean your thistle feeders with a mild bleach solution to prevent mould and bacteria growth. Ensure feeders are completely dry before refilling them with fresh seed.
Additionally, store your thistle seed in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain its freshness. Using various feeder types such as hanging platform feeders, tray feeders, and tube feeders can help attract a diverse range of birds to your garden.
Alternatives to Thistle Seeds
While many finches adore thistle, it can be a more expensive seed option. If you are looking for an alternative to feed finches and other small birds, here are a few options:
- Hulled sunflower seeds or sunflower hearts
- Chia Seeds
- Finely cracked corn
- White proso millet
- A finch mix that contains a blend of small seeds
You can also try offering these seeds in a thistle-style feeder to attract finches. Remember that a diverse mix of seeds and foods will attract the greatest variety of backyard birds to your feeders. Consider adding nyjer seeds to your wild bird feed mix to create a blend that attracts a variety of songbirds, including different species of finches.
Frequently Asked Questions
#1 – Do all birds eat thistle seeds?
No, thistle seeds are not eaten by all birds. They are mainly preferred by small finches like goldfinches, house finches, and purple finches. Some other small birds like pine siskins and redpolls may also eat thistle.
#2 – Can you mix thistle seeds with other bird seed?
Yes, you can mix thistle seeds into other wild bird feed mixes to create a specialized wild bird feed mix that may include nyjer seeds as part of the blend. However, it is best to offer nyjer in a dedicated thistle feeder, as the small seeds will fall through the cracks of a standard feeder and may be wasted.
#3 – How long do thistle seeds last?
Thistle seeds have a high oil content and will stay fresh for about 2-3 months if stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. If kept in a thistle feeder, the seeds should be used within a few weeks to prevent spoilage.
#4 – Are thistle and nyjer seeds the same thing?
Yes, “thistle seed” and “nyjer seed” refer to the same thing. Nyjer is the more accurate term, as the seeds are not actually related to prickly thistle plants. The seeds come from the African yellow daisy.
Final Words
Thistle seeds can be an excellent addition to your backyard bird feeding routine. These tiny, oil-rich seeds are nutritious and appealing to a variety of small finches and other feeder birds. By using a specific thistle feeder and keeping the seeds dry and fresh, you can successfully attract more finches to your garden. Consider offering nyjer seeds along with other popular seeds like sunflower seeds and safflower seeds to support a diverse flock of wild birds.
Leave a Reply