What is “Thistle” (Nyjer) , and why would I want to feed it to birds?

What is Thistle, or Nyjer, Seed?

For those in search of gold (finches), nyjer seed is the best bait!  Nyjer is a small, black, thin seed, shaped similarly to rice, but smaller.  It’s a great substitute for the native thistle plant, at least American Goldfinches think it is!  It’s not the noxious weed at all, but instead is a member of the rape seed family.  But you won’t grow a crop:  imported from Ethiopia and India, the Department of Agriculture requires this seed to be heat sterilized before importation.  Special feeders and stockings with small openings are used to offer nyjer to American Goldfinches, House Finches and Pine Siskins.  Feeders are most successful when placed at least fifteen feet away from other feeders.  This gives the less-aggressive goldfinches a feeder to frequent without harassment.  An added bonus:  squirrels don’t care for nyjer.