Duncraft Nyjer® Wild Bird Seed, 5-lb bag

The seed that turns your feeder into a goldfinch magnet.

Put out Nyjer® seed and goldfinches find it. It's that reliable. Also known as thistle seed, Nyjer® is a tiny, oil-rich seed imported specifically for wild bird feeding — and finches are hardwired to seek it out. A feeder full of Nyjer® in the right location can attract dozens of goldfinches at a time, along with siskins, redpolls, and other small songbirds that flock to it in impressive numbers. If you've never seen a feeder covered in bright yellow goldfinches, this is how you get there.

Why Duncraft Nyjer®?

Duncraft's Nyjer® seed is premium-grade, heat-treated to prevent sprouting, and sourced for freshness. Stale Nyjer® is one of the most common reasons finches abandon a feeder — fresh seed makes all the difference. The 5 lb resealable bag helps maintain freshness between fills, and the seed is ready to pour directly into any Nyjer® tube or sock feeder.

• 100% premium Nyjer® (thistle) seed — no fillers
• Heat-treated — won't sprout on your lawn or garden
• Rich in oil — high-energy food source for finches
• Attracts the greatest number of finches of any single seed
• Works in Nyjer® tube feeders, sock feeders, and fine-mesh feeders
• 5 lb resealable bag for freshness
• Available exclusively at Duncraft

Birds attracted: American Goldfinches, Lesser Goldfinches, Common Redpolls, Hoary Redpolls, Pine Siskins, Indigo Buntings, and Black-capped Chickadees.

How to feed: Serve in a dedicated Nyjer® tube feeder, sock feeder, or fine-mesh feeder. The tiny seed requires small ports — standard hopper or platform feeders will let it spill. Keep the feeder consistently stocked and in a stable location. Finches are creatures of habit and return reliably once they discover a trusted food source. Replace seed every 2–3 weeks to ensure freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nyjer® seed and is it the same as thistle?
Nyjer® is the trademarked name for a specific imported seed (Guizotia abyssinica) used exclusively for wild bird feeding. It is commonly called thistle seed, though it is not related to the invasive thistle plant. Nyjer® is heat-treated before import to prevent germination, so it will not sprout in your lawn or garden.

What birds eat Nyjer® seed?
Nyjer® seed is most popular with American Goldfinches, Pine Siskins, Common Redpolls, and other small finch species. It is the single most effective seed for attracting large numbers of goldfinches to a feeder. Chickadees and Indigo Buntings will also eat Nyjer® when it is available.

What feeder do I need for Nyjer® seed?
Nyjer® seed requires a feeder with small ports designed specifically for tiny seeds. Nyjer® tube feeders, sock feeders, and fine-mesh feeders all work well. Standard hopper or platform feeders have openings too large for Nyjer® — the seed will spill out before birds can eat it. Duncraft carries a full range of Nyjer®-compatible feeders.

Why are finches not coming to my Nyjer® feeder?
The most common reason finches avoid a Nyjer® feeder is stale seed. Nyjer® has a relatively short shelf life and loses its oil content over time, making it less attractive to birds. Replace seed every 2–3 weeks, keep the feeder clean, and make sure the feeder is in a location finches can see from above. It may also take a few days for finches to discover a new feeder — patience and consistency are key.

Will Nyjer® seed sprout in my lawn?
No. All Nyjer® seed sold for wild bird feeding — including Duncraft's — is heat-treated before import, which prevents germination. Any seed that falls to the ground will not sprout, making it safe to use on decks, patios, and near garden beds.