Niger seed and safflower attract different birds and work in different ways: niger seed draws finches, especially goldfinches, through a small-port tube feeder or a nyjer sock, while safflower draws cardinals and several other songbirds through any standard feeder while discouraging squirrels and a few other unwanted visitors along the way.
Which Birds Does Niger Seed Attract?
Niger seed attracts finches of all kinds, with goldfinches being the most consistent visitor. The Nyjer sold at Urban Nature Store is a non-germinating thistle seed made specifically to keep goldfinches and other finches coming back to a feeder throughout the year.
Which Birds Does Safflower Attract?
Safflower attracts cardinals as its primary visitor, along with nuthatches, chickadees, house finches, rose-breasted grosbeaks, and mourning doves. The Safflower seed at Urban Nature Store is a small, white, thin-shelled seed built to bring in that wider mix of songbirds without needing anything beyond a standard feeder.
Does Niger Seed or Safflower Keep Squirrels Away Better?
Safflower has the stronger reputation for keeping unwanted visitors off a feeder. Niger seed is simply low on a squirrel's list of favourite foods, so squirrels will eat it occasionally but generally leave it alone. Safflower goes further, actively discouraging squirrels, grackles, and sparrows, with some reports of raccoons avoiding it as well, though chipmunks will still eat it.
What Feeder Does Each Seed Need?
Niger seed needs a finch tube feeder with small-sized ports, or a traditional nyjer sock, since a standard feeder's larger openings let the tiny seed spill out. Safflower needs no special equipment at all and works in any feeder built for sunflower seed, which makes it an easy swap for anyone already running a standard setup.
What Pack Sizes Are Available for Each Seed?
Niger seed is available in:
- 4 pounds, for home delivery
- 6 pounds, for in-store pickup
- 18 pounds, for in-store pickup
- 50 pounds, for in-store pickup
Safflower is available in:
- 4 pounds, for home delivery
- 7 pounds, for in-store pickup
- 21 pounds, for in-store pickup
- 50 pounds, for in-store pickup
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Niger Seed and Safflower Be Mixed in the Same Feeder?
They generally work better in separate feeders, since niger seed needs a small-port tube feeder or sock to keep it from spilling out, while safflower flows fine through a standard, larger-port feeder built for sunflower seed.
Does Safflower Seed Need a Special Feeder?
No. Safflower does not require any special feeder and can be used in any feeder in which sunflower seed is served.
Why Do Squirrels Avoid Safflower Seed?
Squirrels tend to steer clear of safflower's taste, and it shares that effect with grackles and sparrows, which also tend to avoid it, even though chipmunks are not deterred the same way.
Is Niger Seed the Same as Thistle Seed?
Niger seed is what most people mean when they say thistle seed. It is a non-germinating thistle-type seed sold specifically to attract finches and goldfinches to a feeder.
