A mesh or tube feeder loaded with Nyjer seed or fine sunflower hearts is the single best setup for attracting goldfinches and other finches to a yard. These birds cling to feeding ports rather than perch on a flat tray, so a feeder built around small ports and sturdy footholds draws far more activity than a general seed feeder.
What type of feeder works best for goldfinches?
Goldfinches feed most naturally on tube feeders with small perches and mesh feeders designed for fine sunflower hearts and Nyjer seed, since both styles let the bird cling comfortably while it feeds. House finches and goldfinches will also use hopper and platform feeders when sunflower hearts are offered. The three styles that perform best for finches are:
- Nyjer tube feeders, with narrow ports sized for a thin thistle-like seed
- Mesh or sock-style feeders, which let birds cling anywhere on the surface
- Hopper or platform feeders, better suited to house finches feeding on sunflower hearts
The Squirrel Buster Squirrel Proof Finch Feeder covers the first two categories in one unit, combining narrow Nyjer ports with a cage that closes off larger, heavier visitors.
What is the difference between a Nyjer tube feeder and a mesh finch feeder?
A Nyjer tube feeder holds loose thistle seed behind a solid tube wall with small feeding ports, while a mesh finch feeder has no tube at all, just a sock or cage of fine netting that birds cling to directly. Tube feeders keep seed drier and are easier to fill in one motion; mesh feeders let more birds perch on the same surface at once, which suits a larger flock.
Both styles are represented in the current line up:
- 1-Quart Yellow Nyjer Forever Feeder, a compact tube feeder for smaller yards
- 3-Quart Clear Nyjer Forever Feeder, a larger-capacity version for heavier traffic
- BirdQuest Spiral Thistle Feeder, 17-Inch, a sock-style mesh feeder that allows clinging along its full length
- Songbird Essentials Clingers Only Bird Feeder, a mesh design built specifically to exclude birds that cannot cling
The full range of both styles sits in the Goldfinch Feeders collection.
Do squirrel-proof feeders work for finches?
Squirrel-proof feeders work well for finches because Nyjer seed is already low on a squirrel's list of preferred foods, so a cage or weight-activated closure adds an extra layer of protection rather than solving a constant problem. The Squirrel Buster Squirrel Proof Finch Feeder uses a wire cage around the feeding ports to block larger animals while leaving full access for finches.
For yards with heavier squirrel pressure on any feeder type, the full Squirrel Proof Feeders collection and a baffle from the Baffles collection mounted below the feeder add further protection.
What food attracts the most goldfinches and finches to a feeder?
Nyjer seed and fine sunflower hearts attract the widest range of finches, including goldfinches, purple finches, and house finches. Nyjer, also called thistle seed, is more expensive than other seed types, but it is favoured specifically by goldfinches and is rarely touched by squirrels. Fine sunflower hearts leave no shells behind and are consumed entirely, which keeps the ground under the feeder clean. The three most effective options are:
- Nyjer, the top choice for goldfinches and other finches in tube or sock feeders
- Fine Sunflower Hearts, a no-mess, no-waste seed also popular with cardinals and chickadees
- Finch & Friends Mix, a blend of Nyjer, finely chopped sunflower hearts, white millet, and canary seed created for goldfinches, purple finches, and pine siskins
All three, along with other finch-focused blends, are grouped in the Finch Feed collection.
Do house finches use the same feeders as goldfinches?
House finches and goldfinches will both feed at hopper and platform feeders when sunflower hearts are offered, in addition to the tube and mesh feeders goldfinches favour. A hopper feeder gives house finches, which are slightly less agile clingers than goldfinches, a stable perch to feed from. The Stokes Jumbo Squirrel-Resistant Hopper Feeder offers this style with the added protection of a squirrel-resistant housing.
Where should a finch feeder be placed in the yard?
A finch feeder should be placed in an open area a short distance from shrubs or trees, close enough that birds have quick cover to retreat to but far enough that squirrels cannot jump directly onto it from a branch. Mounting the feeder on a dedicated pole rather than hanging it from a tree branch also makes squirrel-proofing and baffle placement more effective. A pole from the Poles collection paired with a baffle from the Baffles collection gives the most stable, protected setup for a Nyjer or mesh finch feeder.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Nyjer feeders does a yard need to attract goldfinches?
There is no fixed number, since goldfinches will visit a single well-placed Nyjer feeder, but adding a second feeder in a different part of the yard reduces crowding once a flock becomes established.
Can squirrels get into Nyjer feeders?
Squirrels can occasionally eat Nyjer, but it ranks low among their preferred foods, which is why Nyjer feeders face far less squirrel pressure than sunflower or mixed-seed feeders. The Squirrel Proof Feeders collection covers options for yards where squirrels are still a concern.
Do goldfinches use window feeders?
Goldfinches will feed at window feeders stocked with Nyjer or fine sunflower hearts, provided the feeder has small enough ports or clinging surfaces for them to grip. The Window Feeders collection includes styles suited to small birds.
What other products help maintain a finch feeding station?
Beyond the feeder and seed itself, a few accessories keep a finch station running smoothly:
- A pole from the Poles collection for stable, squirrel-resistant mounting
- A baffle from the Baffles collection to block climbing squirrels
- Seasonal accessories from the Finch Accessories collection
The full range of feeders built specifically for these birds is available in the Goldfinch Feeders and Finch Feeders collections, and finch-specific seed and mixes are grouped in the Finch Feed collection.
