If you’re considering feeding your wild birds some nyjer seed, you’ve come to the right place. This oil-rich crop is harvested from a yellow-flowered plant, Guizotia abyssinica. It attracts sparrows, finches, and squirrels, among other species. Learn more about why you should provide this seed to your bird population. Here’s an introduction to nyjer seed.
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nyjer seed is an oilseed crop from the yellow flowering plant Guizotia abyssinica
A popular bird food, Nyjer seed is made from a thin, oil-rich yellow flowering plant found in Africa and Asia. Though it is sometimes called a thistle, it is actually a daisy-like plant that grows in desert regions. The plant produces seed that is highly nutritious and popular with birds like finches and siskins. It can be planted after the threat of frost has passed and harvested during the winter months.
A native of Africa, the niger crop is now commercially grown in the United States and has become one of the most popular crops in the United States. Unlike other crops, Niger is not a noxious weed and is commonly grown as a first or second crop. It requires bees to pollinate its seeds and is self-sterile.
It attracts finches
If you’re trying to attract finches to your yard, you’ll want to try offering them Nyjer seed. These tiny seeds are high in oil, which is a preferred energy source for finches. However, you’ll have to make sure to purchase the proper feeder for this specialty seed. Some of the best options for offering this type of seed are “sock” feeders and tube feeders with small feeding ports. You can serve these seeds alone or in a mixture of other seeds. This food is a favorite among finches.
Besides finches, this nutrient-dense seed is also popular with other birds, including canaries. The smallest holes in Nyjer seed mean it’s a good choice for finches and other seed-loving birds. And while it’s more expensive than other seed, it can attract a variety of other types of birds. Listed below are some of the reasons why Nyjer seed is so beneficial to birds.
It attracts sparrows
You can attract Song Sparrows to your yard with black oil sunflower seeds, cracked corn, and nyjer seed. These birds love the varying sounds of seeds and also mix up a playlist of sounds, so you won’t be boring a prospective mate. You can also attract House Finches by planting Nyjer seed around your yard. While these sparrows are native to the western US, they have done quite well in the eastern states. Their diets are rich in seeds, fruit, and buds.
This small bird can be found in forested areas of the US and Canada. It can be attracted to suet feeders, black oil sunflower seeds, or nyjer seed. Females lay five to seven eggs, which hatch in around two weeks. Females tend to have dull yellow undersides. They are resident in southwestern US states and migrate to the interior of the western US for the winter.
It attracts squirrels
You may be wondering whether Nyjer seed wild bird food is safe for your yard. You should avoid putting sticky stuff around your feeders if you want to keep squirrels away. The sticky stuff can be fatal to your birds. Luckily, there are many squirrel-proof options. Below, we’ve listed a few of the best options. And if you’re still unsure, we’ve got a few more tips for you!
One thing you should know about Nyjer seed: it has a short shelf life. It’s best to feed this to birds that you know will eat it before it goes bad. It can go bad within four to six weeks, especially if you buy it in the summer months. Make sure to buy only what your birds are going to eat within that timeframe. Otherwise, you might be feeding squirrels to a larger extent than you thought.
It attracts birds
Many backyard birders choose to use Nyjer seed because of its broader appeal. Although not related to thistle plants, the seed is high in oil and a rich source of energy for backyard birds. Because of the expensive cost, backyard birders usually offer Nyjer seed in small amounts or use specialized feeders to attract these birds. Below are some of the best ways to attract the most variety of birds to your backyard.
You can purchase Nyjer seed in bulk. Keep in mind that the seed has a short shelf life. If it’s overly old, it won’t be eaten by finches. Always purchase Nyjer seed that’s fresh to get the most benefit. Small clinging finches love mesh sock feeders. Larger birds can be attracted to tube feeders with narrow feeding ports.
