Many species of birds will visit your feeders, but unlike most other birds, the Goldfinches’ diet consists mainly of seed.  Most finches will feed their chicks insects,  while American Goldfinch chicks get the same thistle seed their parents eat.  When parents return to feed chicks, it is digested thistle (or nyjer seed), enough for the whole brood. Young are fed about twice an hour, this is why Goldfinches perched at your feeder will eat seed after seed.  It’s a great opportunity to view them in detail.

One key to keeping Goldfinches around is eliminating the need to compete.  They are known to fly away and give up when other species crowd a thistle feeder.  Inexpensive thistle sacks are a good way to offer several separate feeders, thus eliminating the competition for food.

Another important measure is to keep thistle seed fresh.  Many times the seed at the bottom of the thistle feeder gets packed down and draws moisture, birds won’t eat spoiled seed.  It’s important to completely dump old seed when refilling the feeder.

To enjoy Goldfinches’ vibrant yellow color in warmer months, it’s advised to keep a thistle feeder out year-round, filled with fresh seed at all times.