Goldfinch and Nyjer seed

Goldfinch perching seeking fluff from thistle plant

American Goldfinches start breeding in mid-July. Some customers have reported that goldfinches seem to be changing their diet from Nyjer to black-oil sunflower.

Rapidly growing young birds require a lot of protein to thrive. Black-oil sunflower and Nyjer have about the same protein content: black-oil sunflower consists of 14 to 20 percent protein and Nyjer 18 percent.

While black-oil sunflower and Nyjer have about the same percentage of protein, birds will have to eat more Nyjer to get the same amount of protein. We have seen goldfinches on one feeder with sunflower chips and the other feeder with Nyjer. Competition with other little birds on the Nyjer feeder is less, however. At The Bird House, the "Finch Favorite" mix has a combination of Nyjer and sunflower chips.

Goldfinches nest later in the season than other birds. They use soft natural material to line their nests. 

Thistle is a great source of this. After the thistle blooms, the seeds are attached to very fine, very soft material that helps carry the seeds away by means of the wind. Goldfinches will take this white fluff and line their nests.

Another plant is the milkweed. When the pods open in late July, there is a virtual explosion of seeds being carried on large tufts. Goldfinches also will use this material for their nests. This is another good reason to let a corner of your backyard go natural!