We’ve added a new wild bird seed called Gold Nyjer Seed! It contains a food some people call it "birdnip."  Finches (including house finches, goldfinches and purple finches) especially like Nyjer seed, to the point where they’ve been known to start mass "feeding frenzies" when they locate a source. It’s the wild bird seed of choice for the entire finch family.

Often called "thistle seed," Nyjer seed comes from the plant Guizotia abyssinica, which originally hails from the Ethiopian highlands. People have long valued its fresh, attractive aroma, and have used it to attract garden birds for centuries. It’s an especially good idea to put it out in the spring and fall, when finches molt. That’s when their most vibrant feather colors come out. Finches particularly enjoy Nyjer seed, but its distinctive scent draws other bird species too.

Nyjer is so popular among finches that it’s a good idea to use feeders that cater to their needs. Our Nyjer (thistle) Feeders feature a wire mesh that gives finches a comfortable grip. One feeder has room for several birds to feed simultaneously — a handy thing when Nyjer causes a finch "frenzy."

Now that it’s springtime, finches are out in the most vivid colors they’ll display all year. Give Nyjer a try so you can see it for yourself.