Difference Between Nyjer Seed And Thistle Seed

Small birds are fond of eating tiny seeds in their meals to become strong and full of energy. Two likely seeds mentioned are the Nyjer and Thistle seeds. While the public perceives them differently, they are not the same thing. They are obtained from different plants, and one may experience slight differences.

Nyjer and Thistle’s seeds are known as food for these species. Soya seeds are rich in healthy oils, fat, and nutrients essential to the human diet. Due to their small size, the pellets are suitable for the ones with tiny beaks or mouths and are easy for small ones to swallow. Some consume Nyjer, while others consume Thistle. Now, let us learn more about these seeds and their differences.

What Is Nyjer Seed?

Nyjer seed is a minute black seed from Guizotia abyssinica that grows in the world's warm belts, such as India and Ethiopia. These seeds are harvested, washed, and treated with heat, so they do not pose a hazard to health upon sale.

They are a highly preferred food for many small birds. These seeds contain many good oils and fats, which help them perform their functions. This is particularly true when cold, as the body cannot produce natural warmth. These seeds can be eaten all day, as they are small and do not pose any choking hazards.

They are not hard and, therefore, can be easily chewed and swallowed by them. Unlike large and bulky seeds, cactus plants are tender and enclosed within a thin outer covering. Nyjer is soft and tiny seeds preferred by some, and some like hard and soft seeds.

They are also termed as ‘Niger seed.’ It is worth noting that depending on the dialect, some people use different spellings to refer to this seed. It differs from a Thistle seed. Many people get confused because the seeds look similar. But, Nyjer comes from a different plant.

What Is Thistle Seed?

The thistle seed is also tiny and black, but it is not the same as the Nyjer seed. It comes from the thistle plant, which has sharp leaves and purple flowers. The seed is inside the flower, and when the flower dries, it comes out.

Thistle plants grow in fields, gardens, and forests. Some people dislike them because they have sharp points, but small birds love their seeds. These seeds help them stay strong and healthy.

They are light and soft. Because they have fluffy parts, they can fly in the air. The wind carries them far away, helping new plants grow in different places. Seeds are tiny so they can be consumed many at once.

Some eat only thistle seeds, while others eat other foods. These seeds contain oil and fat, which gives them energy to move, play, and stay warm. They are also easy to eat and very tasty.

Is Nyjer The Same As Thistle?

Many people think the Nyjer and Thistle seeds are the same. They look alike, and they are both small and dark. But they come from different plants. Nyjer comes from the Guizotia abyssinica plant. Thistle seeds come from the thistle plant. These are heated before they are sold, which helps prevent harmful plants from growing. However, these seeds are not always heated. Sometimes, these grow into new thistle plants. Some people do not like thistle plants because they have sharp parts.

Nyjer seeds have more oil than thistle seeds, making them a better food choice for many birds. They are also soft and easy to eat. Thistle seeds are smooth but have a fluffy part, which distinguishes them from Nyjer seeds.

Birds that eat them may also eat Thistle, but some like one seed more than the other. Nyjer is more common in stores, while thistle is sometimes more challenging to find. People often buy them instead of Thistle.

What Kind Of Birds Eat Thistle Seed?

Many small birds love thistle seeds. They eat them to stay full and happy. The seeds are easy to chew and swallow, and tiny mouths can quickly eat them because they are small.

Thistle seeds are full of energy, helping these species stay strong. Some eat thistle seeds daily, while others eat them only in winter when food is hard to find.

Some birds eat thistle seeds. They live in trees and use their beaks to pick up the seeds. They sometimes drop the seeds on the ground, and other small ones eat the fall seeds.

Birds that eat thistle seeds sometimes live in large groups. They share food and play together. They also fly from tree to tree, looking for more seeds—they like fresh, easy-to-eat seeds.

Thistle seeds can grow into new plants. Some help spread the seeds by picking them up and dropping them in new places, helping thistle plants grow in different areas.

What Kind Of Birds Eat Nyjer Seed?

Many small birds love Nyjer seeds. They eat them to get energy, and the oil in the seeds helps them stay warm when it is cold. Some birds that eat them have small beaks, which allow them to pick up tiny seeds. They can hold the seed in their beak and crack it open. 

Nyjer seeds are very light. Sometimes, they drop the seeds when they eat, and other small creatures can find them on the ground. This way, many of them can enjoy the food. They also like to eat these seeds in the morning. Others eat them all day. They may eat more than usual when they find many of these seeds. It helps them store energy for later. 

People who feed these seeds often use unique feeders to prevent waste. These feeders hold the seeds tightly, so fewer seeds fall to the ground. It helps small creatures enjoy their food without too much mess.

Do Finches Prefer Nyjer Or Thistle Seed?

Finches love tiny seeds. These small creatures have sharp beaks that help them pick up and eat minimal food. When given a choice between Nyjer and Thistle seed, most finches prefer Nyjer seed.

It has more oil than thistle seed. This oil gives a lot of energy, helping them stay strong and active. Because of this, finches enjoy it more, especially when they need extra energy during cold weather.

Another reason finches pick Nyjer over Thistle is taste. It has a soft texture and a mild flavor. Thistle seed, on the other hand, may not be as fresh when found in the wild. It also doesn’t have as much oil, making it less tasty.

They are also used to eating these seeds because they are easy to find. People who provide food for finches often buy this seed, commonly sold in stores. This means finches become familiar and enjoy it more than thistle seeds.

Even though Nyjer is the favorite, some finches will still eat thistle seeds if nothing else is available. But if they have both, they will almost always choose Nyjer first.

Does Thistle Seed Make A Mess?

Yes, they can make a mess. Because they are very tiny, some fall to the ground when eaten. The shells from the seeds also build up under feeders, creating waste.

When the seed is fresh, it is light and easy to blow away. However, if the wind is strong, it can scatter, making it harder to clean up. Some of it may even land where new thistle plants can start growing.

The shells left behind after eating thistle seed do not disappear independently. If too many shells pile up, they can stop new plants from growing or make the ground look messy. Cleaning up often can help keep the area neat.

To reduce the mess, some people use unique feeders that keep the seeds inside. These feeders stop too much food from falling and keep everything in one place. Others place a tray under the feeder to catch the fallen seeds and shells.

Although thistle seeds can be messy, they are still a great food choice. The mess can be easily managed with the right feeder and regular cleaning.

Do Birds Eat Nyjer Seed?

Yes! Many birds love Nyjer seed. Due to its high oil content, it is preferred by those who require extra energy.

It is popular with finches, sparrows, and any other small bird that would want to feed in between the crevices of the bush. This food is small and can be easily ingested with the added benefit of nutrition facts.

This seed is also soft, and it does not cause any form of indigestion problems to those who take it. Various kinds of birds are known to take the seed in their beaks before taking it into the stomach. For this reason, Nyjer seed has become popular among those seeking to feed them.

Some receive or consume Nyjer seed in their daily feeders. The taste of the food will attract them back, and if the food is fresh and tasteful, they will return.

Why Won't The Birds Eat The Nyjer Seed?

Sometimes, the tiny creatures that usually eat Nyjer seed ignore it. It can happen for a few reasons:

1. The seed is old or bad: These seeds that are too dry, stale, or moldy cannot be eaten. Fresh seeds have more oil and taste better.

2. The feeder is in the wrong place: If a feeder is too high, too low, or in a noisy area, creatures may feel unsafe eating there.

3. Other food is available: These seeds might not be the first choice if other options are nearby.

4. The feeder is dirty: Fresh seeds may not taste good if the feeder has old shells or moisture inside.

If Nyjer seed is not being eaten, try changing it for a fresh batch. Moving the feeder to a quiet and safe spot might also help.

How To Tell If Nyjer Seed Is Bad?

Nyjer seed does not last forever. Over time, it loses its oil, becomes dry, and does not taste good anymore. There are a few ways to check if these seeds are still fresh:

1. Look at the color: Fresh seed is dark black. If it looks grey or brown, it is too old.

2. Touch the seed: It feels slightly oily. If it feels dry, it has lost its nutrients.

3. Smell it: Fresh seed has a mild, nutty smell. If it smells sour or musty, it may have mold.

4. Watch the small creatures: The seed may be old if they stop eating it.

Store Nyjer seed in a cool, dry place to keep it fresh longer. A sealed container helps protect it from moisture and air.

Why Is Thistle Seed So Expensive?

Thistle seed is not easy to find in stores. It is also more expensive than many other seeds. There are a few reasons for this:

1. Thistle plants are not farmed in large amounts like other seeds. It makes them more challenging to get.

2. Processing takes time. Some thistle seeds must be cleaned and prepared before being sold.

3. It is lightweight. Because it is so tiny and light, a large bag contains fewer seeds than heavier types of food.

4. Fewer people buy it. Most stores sell Nyjer seed instead of thistle seed, so Thistle is not as common.

Because of these reasons, thistle seeds cost more than other seeds. Many prefer to buy Nyjer, which is cheaper and provides more nutrients.

Conclusion

Nyjer and thistle seeds look alike but are not the same. Nyjer has more oil, making it a better food choice. Finches prefer these seeds because they give more energy.

Thistle seed can be messy and expensive. Nyjer seed is lighter, easier to eat, and more common. It might be too old or stored poorly if it is not being consumed. Use fresh seeds, keep feeders clean, and store seeds in a cool, dry place for the best results.