It resembles small grains of wild rice and has a high fat and protein content. Niger is also known as thistle. Many people think they will be growing thistle weeds in their yard if they offer this seed. In fact, niger is not a thistle at all. It's the seed of the niger plant native to Ethiopia.
Niger seed sold as birdseed is heated to prevent it from germinating.
The DNR Bird Feeding Guide Published by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Double the number of species at your feeder by following these techniques. Here are tips on 44 different types of food that appeal to the 69 species commonly seen at feeders east of the Rockies. Construction basics are included for 26 varieties of bird feeders. Dick E. Bird's Birdfeeding 101 Dick E. Bird shows readers everything they need to know.