They typically use platform feeders or feed on the ground." Clearly, juncos are considered ground feeders that occasionally take nyjer seeds that have fallen to the ground. But just as clearly, at least some juncos have modified their feeding habits.

What kind of seed do juncos eat?

What Do Juncos Eat? In winter, juncos feast on seeds of weeds and grasses that are left standing in your landscape or in fields, parks and open woodlands. Seeds from common plants such as chickweed, buckwheat, lamb's-quarters and sorrel make up 75 percent of their year-round diet.

What birds will eat Nyjer seed?

The most popular birds that eat Nyjer include the following:

• American goldfinches.
• California quail.
• Common redpolls.
• Dark-eyed juncos.
• European goldfinches.
• Hoary redpolls.
• House finches.
• Indigo buntings.

Do juncos eat thistle seeds?

Juncos, which are a type of sparrow, are another prime consumer of thistle seed. Two types of thistle-loving Juncos include the dark-eyed Junco and the yellow-eyed Junco, both of which are medium-sized sparrows no more than 8 inches tall.

Why are birds not eating nyjer seed?

Nancy Castillo, co-owner of the Wild Birds Unlimited store in Saratoga Springs, New York, and author of the blog Zen Birdfeeder, points out that Nyjer contains natural high-calorie oils that attract finches. When the oils dry out, the seed loses both its food value and its flavor, and birds shun it.

What Is Nyjer Seed?

31 related questions found

Will goldfinches eat old nyjer seed?

Nyjer is a favorite backyard food of goldfinches, pine siskins, common redpolls, house finches, and other small-billed seed-eating birds.

Why do goldfinches stopped coming to feeder?

Neighbors: Another reason your birds may have stopped coming to your feeders is that your neighbors have started feeding birds and, feeding them well. Offering a bird feeding station filled with Black-Oil Sunflower Seed, nyjer seed, suet, and peanuts, will draw more birds than a single feeder with one type of seed.

Will Nyjer seed germinate?

This plant seed is also sold under the trademark name Nyjer. It does not germinate and sprout in your lawn--for one very good reason. ... Since it is sterilized it will not sprout under your bird feeder. This is a favorite food of small finches such as goldfinches, siskins, and house finches.

Can nyjer seeds spoil?

Niger seed is vulnerable to spoilage while in the feeder. Replace niger seed every 3-4 weeks if it is not being actively eaten. Shake the feeder daily to help prevent clumping and mold. Make sure the seed stays dry; a weather guard can help in this regard.

What type of feeder is best for Nyjer seed?

The best type of bird feeders for feeding Nyjer are mesh or sock feeders. To prevent extra mess and wasted seed on the ground, look for a feeder that has a seed catching tray at the bottom. The seed tray will catch any uneaten seed that falls from the feeder and provide the birds with another opportunity to feed.

What is the best seed for goldfinches?

Although goldfinches will eat most small seeds, they love thistle (Nyjer) and sunflower seeds. Keep goldfinches coming back by replacing uneaten food every three to four weeks. Make sure the seed stays dry. Most tube and mesh feeders are fine; a sock feeder also works well.

How do I attract birds to my nyjer feeder?

8 Helpful Hints for Attracting Finches

1. Place Feeders Where Finches Feel Safe. ...
2. Temporarily Remove Other Feeders. ...
3. Finches Feed on Fresh Black Seed. ...
4. Add Brightly Colored Ribbons & Plants. ...
5. Finches Need Clean Feeders. ...
6. Seed-Bearing Plants Attract Finches. ...
7. Give Black Oil Sunflower Seed a Try. ...
8. Finches Rarely Finish Their Food.

How do you feed nyjer seeds?

Types of Feeders to Use with Nyjer Seed

1. Tube Feeder – Tube feeders have small feeding ports with perches, which are perfect for goldfinches. ...
2. Sock Feeder – A sock feeder is your cheapest option. ...
3. Screen Feeder – With a screen feeder, the birds cling directly to the feed, instead of using a port with a perch.

Do juncos come to feeders?

As ground-feeding birds, they feed best from low platform feeders or open trays, and sprinkling seed on the ground can also attract juncos.

Can juncos open sunflower seeds?

Sunflower seeds, but not just any sunflower seeds. ... Even though the sparrow-type birds like the song sparrows, white-crowned sparrows, golden-crowned sparrows and dark-eyed juncos like bird seed mixes, they too will eat the small sunflower seeds.

Do juncos like peanuts?

Birds That Eat Peanuts

The most common birds that enjoy peanuts include: Chickadees. Crows. Dark-eyed juncos.

What seed do goldfinches eat?

Goldfinches eat seeds almost exclusively. Main types include seeds from composite plants (in the family Asteraceae: sunflowers, thistle, asters, etc.), grasses, and trees such as alder, birch, western red cedar, and elm. At feeders prefers nyjer and sunflower.

Will squirrels eat nyjer seed?

Squirrels love birdseed (as well as nuts, sunflower seeds, fruit, and corn), but they don't favor everything that birds eat. So stock your bird feeder with such fare as safflower seed, nyjer seed, and white proso millet, which squirrels don't care for and they'll likely head elsewhere for their next meal.

Does nyjer seed attract rodents?

Yes, but it depends on the type of birdseed. Rats find Nyjer seeds less appealing. Some rats are attracted to seed husks, which is something that you have to avoid if possible.

How long does nyjer seed last in feeder?

Nyjer seed will stay fresh for as many as three months. If you can't store seed in the freezer or simply choose not to, you can always buy a storage container such as the Bird Seed Vault Storage Container.

Why do birds throw seed out of feeder?

Birds will dig in to find the food they prefer and in doing this, they will dislodge any other seeds which are in the way, so that they fall out of the feeder. It may also be the quality of the seed you are feeding them. ... They then discard these husks, which look like they are throwing the seed away.

When should you stop feeding goldfinches?

And you will want to stop offering suet in summer, when the temperature is consistently over 80° F. It will melt and go rancid quickly. You may wish to switch to only a thistle sock or feeder in summer with Niger seed. The goldfinches are late summer breeders, even feeding small seeds to their nestlings.

Do goldfinches stay year round?

The American Goldfinch is a widespread species and its year-round range covers essentially all but the southern tier of the lower 48 states and in true snowbird fashion some of these birds do spend the winter in the lower states and northern Mexico.

What time of year do goldfinches nest?

Goldfinch breeding begins in late April and most pairs will attempt two broods, sometimes three, in a given year. Each clutch consists of approximately 3 – 7 chicks whose incubation period lasts between 10 – 14 days, ultimately leading to a fledge period of between 13 – 18 days.

Why is Nyjer seed so expensive?

In 1998, the Wild Bird Feeding Industry trademarked “Nyjer” as the name for the birdseed. ... Because of the costs of growing, processing and importing the seed, it's the caviar of birdseed, one of the most expensive ones you can buy, which also means it's upsetting to see it spilled on the ground.