Finches can be found year round throughout much of the United States, flocking to feeders filled with the correct seeds such as Nyjer thistle seed for sustenance.
When purchasing a mix with multiple seeds, look for more popular seeds such as sunflower and millet to form the basis of the mix. Avoid mixes that contain excessive dust or empty hulls. Also look out for signs of mildew, clumping, moths or insects present within the seed itself.
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Nyjer Thistle
Nyjer seed is a small yet highly valued treat among finches and other songbirds, providing energy-rich fats which birds require for energy needs. In order to maintain freshness, heat-sterilization must occur upon importation to prevent spoilage of this seed source.
These tiny seeds come from an African daisy-like plant called Guizotia abyssinica. Although often mistaken as Cirsium arvense thistle (Cirsium arvense), which is toxic to birds in North America, this bird feed does not come from that North American variety.
Nyjer seed should be offered in feeders specifically designed to serve it, like tube feeders with tiny slits as feeding ports that only small thistle seeds can pass through. Finches in particular seem drawn to it; sparrows and pine siskins will also find it tasty! It may take several days or weeks before birds discover this special feeder for this specific seed; be patient though – your birds will definitely appreciate your efforts!
Cracked Corn
Cracked corn is a favorite among European starlings, house sparrows and red-winged blackbirds and is an economical way to draw them in to feeders. Not only can these birds easily digest it themselves; its energy-sustaining benefits also keep their energy levels balanced.
Cracked corn should be provided in ground or platform feeders for optimal results, and should be mixed with other food sources to create a nutritious diet for our feathered friends. Mixing peanuts in with cracked corn may attract ground feeding species such as sparrows and juncos.
Cracked corn can be an essential addition to a bird’s diet, but should not serve as their sole source of nutrition. To ensure the birds in your backyard receive optimal care and wellbeing, include other sources like suet cakes and fresh fruits/berries that provide essential vitamins and minerals necessary for good health; especially important during seasons like winter where natural sources may be limited.
Sunflower Seed
Sunflower seed is an integral component of many wild bird mixes, beloved by songbird species such as cardinals, tufted titmice, chickadees, nuthatches and woodpeckers alike. The thin shells make the seeds easy for all birds to consume while their high fat and energy contents provide plenty of nutritional benefit for birds alike.
You can distribute this seed using tray feeders, hopper or platform feeders or mix it with ingredients like safflower or black oil sunflower seeds to draw more birds to your feeding stations.
Some seed mixtures contain too much milo or canary seed for certain backyard birds; this could attract House Sparrows and cowbirds who prefer milo, while canary seed doesn’t provide enough protein to support most finches and other species. Too much millet or canary seed could lead to nutritional deficiencies like brittle bones or weak nails – creating an imbalanced diet is essential.
Safflower Seed
Safflower seeds are an nutrient-rich source, drawing in various species of birds – not only cardinals and grosbeaks, but chickadees, blue jays, juncos and goldfinches are often seen feeding from this food source. Furthermore, its hard shell makes the seeds less accessible for larger “bully” birds like grackles or blackbirds to come to your feeders!
These seeds can be served alone or combined with black oil sunflower seed mixes for maximum effectiveness. A great addition to your backyard birding arsenal if you want to encourage colorful finches to visit your feeding stations more frequently!
Safflower seeds can be purchased at wild bird and pet stores, or online retailers. Some seed blends contain higher percentages of safflower seeds than others; it may take some time for birds to adjust to eating safflower seeds after previously only receiving sunflower hearts or easier-to-digest options.
