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Attracting Birds · Guide
Attracting Birds · Guide
How to Attract Goldfinches (2026)
Goldfinches come for nyjer, the tiny seed that Project FeederWatch says attracts American Goldfinches, Pine Siskins and Common Redpolls. It needs a feeder with very small ports, so we compared six nyjer feeders and socks from Amazon listings.
By The Bird Feeder Guide Editorial Team · Research-based; we have not tested these products ourselves
Updated October 2026 · Specs checked October 2026
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below go to Amazon; we do not show prices because they change.
Quick Answer
Offer nyjer (often sold as thistle) in a feeder made for it. FeederWatch says nyjer needs special feeders with very small feeding ports, which also keeps seed from spilling to the ground.
FeederWatch also suggests feeding nyjer by itself instead of in a mix, to cut waste. Black-oil sunflower is another food it lists for finches.
Six nyjer feeders for goldfinches
Details come from each Amazon listing. Check the listing for current price, capacity and port design.
Thistle tube
Aspects Quick-Clean Thistle Tube 402
A tube feeder made for thistle seed. Open the listing for capacity, materials and how the quick-clean base works.
View on AmazonUpside-down perches
Woodlink Audubon Tails Up Nyjer Feeder
A nyjer feeder from Woodlink's Audubon line. Check the listing for size and how it hangs.
View on AmazonDie-cast finch tube
Audubon Die-Cast Finch Tube Feeder
A finch tube feeder with a die-cast build. Check the listing for port count and capacity.
View on AmazonSeed + feeder
Wagner's Nyjer Seed with Perky-Pet 481F Feeder
A bundle that pairs nyjer seed with a feeder, which makes a simple way to start. Check the listing for what is included.
View on AmazonSock feeders
Happy Wings Nyjer Sock Feeders (3-pack)
Mesh sock feeders sold as a three-pack, a low-cost way to try nyjer. Check the listing for size and mesh.
View on AmazonSock pair
Mr. Canary Pair of Nyjer Socks
A pair of nyjer socks. Check the listing for size and how they hang.
View on AmazonHow to set up for goldfinches
Four choices that matter.
Seed
Nyjer is the draw. FeederWatch says it attracts American Goldfinch, Pine Siskin and Common Redpoll. Feed it by itself, not in a mix.
Feeder ports
Nyjer is so small that FeederWatch says it needs very small feeding ports to prevent spilling. Do not use a standard sunflower feeder.
Perches
FeederWatch notes feeders with short perches accommodate small birds such as finches while excluding larger birds such as grackles and jays.
Keep it clean
FeederWatch recommends washing feeders regularly to reduce disease spread. Choose a feeder that is easy to take apart.
Goldfinch questions
What do goldfinches eat at feeders?
Nyjer is the best known. FeederWatch says it attracts American Goldfinch, Pine Siskin and Common Redpoll. Black-oil sunflower is also a favorite of finches.
Is nyjer the same as thistle?
Nyjer is often called thistle, but FeederWatch notes it is not related to North American thistle plants. It comes from Guizotia abyssinica, a plant native to Africa.
Why does my nyjer feeder spill?
Nyjer needs a feeder with very small ports. A standard seed feeder lets the tiny seed fall out.
Related guides
Sources and method
Seed and feeder facts come from Project FeederWatch. Product details were read from Amazon listings in October 2026. We have not tested these products. Corrections: corrections@thebirdfeederguide.com.
Photo: goldfinch at a feeder by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash
Last verified October 2026 · Next review April 2027