Although it is popularly called thistle seed, it is not. It’s actually seed from the African yellow daisy (Guizotia abyssinica) and was called “Niger” because it originated in Nigeria.

One bird species, however, cannot start nesting until the thistle plants have bloomed and are producing down and seeds. It’s the fluffy, white down the American goldfinch uses to build its nest ...

Q: I want to feed the goldfinches, but I don’t want thistles all over my yard. Is there a way to do this? — Molly from Salem A: Use the thistle seed that you find at the local garden center.

"Additionally, thistle seed is a major food source for birds, such as goldfinches." Here's how to identify which kind of thistles you have, and how to get rid of bad thistles for good.

Niger thistle seed or fine sunflower chips are often the choice of finches. Suet — a mixture of animal fat, seeds and sometimes fruit — is great for active birds like woodpeckers, chickadees ...

Sunflower seeds, millet, thistle seed, suet and cracked corn: Each will draw anything from mourning doves to blue jays to sparrows and finches This guide to seed will keep birds happy through the ...

Nyjer, advertised as thistle seed in some brands, is ideal for finches, Yoerger said. Finches and other itinerant birds that move around to find food sources are always looking for specific foods.