How to Attract Goldfinches

Habitat
Attracting goldfinches to your yard is easy by offering the right food in the right feeders. And if you live in mid-Michigan, you can have these bright, cheery songbirds year-round!

Recommended Food

We recommend offering fresh Nyjer® (thistle) because it is goldfinches’ favorite feeder food. Nyjer has high oil content and is an excellent energy source for these active birds. Nyjer, niger, and thistle are all common names used to identify this tiny black birdseed cultivated in Asia and Africa that is high in calories and oil content, and loved by American Goldfinches. However it is not related to the purple, prickly, Canada thistle weed at all.

The scientific name for the Nyjer plant is Guizotia abyssinica. Its bloom has yellow, daisy-like flowers, and before it is shipped into the country the Nyjer seed has been heat treated to prevent the growth of any noxious seeds. Even if it did sprout, Michigan’s growing season is too short to produce a flowering plant.

Recommended Items

Pine Siskins share a table with
American Goldfinches on WBU mesh feeder

1. Wild Birds Unlimited sells a variety of finch feeders. My favorites are the Mesh Finch Feeders. They not only let the finches land and feed in whatever position they choose, but they also allow air circulation to keep your Nyjer Thistle as dry and fresh as possible; something that's very important to these picky eaters.
2. Also available exclusively at Wild Birds Unlimited is the new EcoClean bird feeders that feature parts that protect themselves against the surface growth of damaging bacteria, mold, mildew, fungus and other microbes. The EcoClean Finch Feeders accommodate goldfinches’ small bills and allow them to easily dine on Nyjer. These feeders’ are easy to fill and clean because of the quick-clean base and come with a lifetime guarantee.
3. Feeders can be hung in trees using the Wild Birds Unlimited tree hooks or you can create a feeding station with our exclusive Advanced Pole System® (APS) Basic Setup Hanging Hardware. It’s easy to construct and maintain. Just plant it into the ground, add the extension poles and arms, and top it with the decorative finial. Then fill and hang your feeders.

4. Weather Guard domes are easy to add to any feeder if you need help to keep seed dry and protect birds from inclement weather.
5. Also keep your Nyjer fresh and mold-free with Feeder Fresh™. Mix it with the seed in your feeders, and the absorbent granules will “drink up” excess moisture. Feeder Fresh is completely safe for you and your birds.

It's the goal of Wild Birds Unlimited for you to have the best possible experience from your bird feeding hobby. Backyard bird feeding is the most relaxing, fulfilling, educational and exciting hobby that everyone can enjoy. If you have any questions come in to our East Lansing, MI store. We can give you accurate information about our local birds.

At Wild Birds Unlimited, we are Your Backyard Bird feeding Specialist®, here to help bring you, and nature together.

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Category › Bird Basics