How To Attract Finches To My Yard?

To attract finches to your yard, you can try the following tips:

• Plant yellow flowers or burdock near your feeders1
• Create open, grassy field-like space in your yard2
• Provide shelter from the elements and predators with evergreen trees or shrubs3
• Use tube or mesh feeders and replace uneaten food every few weeks to keep the seed dry4

What are some specific types of yellow flowers or burdock that are particularly attractive to finches?

Some specific types of yellow flowers that are attractive to finches include sunflowers, black-eyed Susans, purple coneflowers, asters, cosmos, daisies, milkweed, cattails, poppies, marigold, and zinnias[1].

Other yellow flowers that may attract finches include alyssum, buttercup, clematis, dahlia, evening primrose, forsythia, and goldenrod[2][3][4].

Additionally, burdock is a plant with great winter seedheads that goldfinches enjoy eating[5].

How large of an open grassy field-like space is necessary to attract finches to a yard?

According to various sources, finches like backyards that have open, grassy field-like space[1][2][3].

However, it is not clear how large of a space is necessary to attract finches to a yard.

Other tips for attracting finches include growing specific plants, placing feeders near shrubs or in more remote areas, and providing large spaces for the birds to fly and thrive[1][4][5].

Can you recommend some specific types of evergreen trees or shrubs that would work well for providing shelter to finches?

There are several types of evergreen trees and shrubs that can provide shelter to finches.

Some recommendations include:

• Spruces[1][2][3]
• Pine trees[4]
• Hollies[4]
• Southern magnolias[4]
• Rhododendrons[4]

Other trees and shrubs that are good for bird-friendly landscaping and attracting birds include mulberries, serviceberries, flowering dogwood, and crabapples[5].

Are there any particular types of seed or mixtures that are particularly attractive to finches, and should be used in the tube or mesh feeders?

Yes, there are certain types of seed that are particularly attractive to finches and can be used in tube or mesh feeders.

Nyjer seed is a popular choice for finches and many tube feeders are made especially for or can accommodate this seed[1].

Millet is another seed that is favored by finches, as well as juncos, buntings, sparrows, and towhees[2].

Other seeds that are attractive to finches include black-oil sunflower seeds, in-shell and out-of-shell meats, and thistle seed[3][4].

It is important to choose the right type of feeder for the seed you are using to ensure that the birds can access it easily[1][5].

What are some other measures that can be taken to keep finches coming back to a yard, such as creating a water source or providing nesting materials?

To keep finches coming back to a yard, there are several measures that can be taken, such as providing a water source, nesting materials, and food sources.

Some plants can be used as food sources, nesting materials, or shelters[1].

During the spring migration, birds can be offered different nesting materials such as lint, hair, fur, or fuzz, and grass clippings and small twigs can be left out[2].

Short lengths of string, wool, and other materials can be provided for nest-building, and last year’s nests can be removed from nest boxes and new ones installed as needed[3].

Natural fibers such as raw cotton, hemp, sisal, or wool can be offered as bird-nesting materials[4].

It is also important to keep trash securely covered, as birds can weave paper and many fibrous household waste items into nests[5].