Why is niger seed structurally advantageous for attracting European Goldfinches to feeders?
Answer
It is tiny and high in oil, similar to the small seeds from dried flower heads
The appeal of niger seed (or Nyjer) in commercial settings stems from its resemblance, in terms of size and oil content, to the preferred natural forage of the Goldfinch. Niger seed is characterized as being tiny and oil-rich. This mirrors the characteristics of the small achenes the bird extracts from dried thistles or teasel heads. Successfully manipulating and consuming niger seed requires that same fine manipulation skill set that the bird has perfected over time, making it a highly efficient and attractive food source when the natural menu is scarce.
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