Nyjer® Seed
What is Nyjer®?
Nyjer® is a small, thin, black or brown seed from the African Daisy - Guizotia abyssinica. Nyjer® seed is high in oil, it is a nutritious source of energy for backyard birds. Foraging birds with smaller, sharply-pointed bills that can cling to feeders are the main consumers of Nyjer® seed. Some of the birds that prefer the seed are American goldfinches, dark-eyed juncos, pine siskins, and mourning doves.
WBFI recommends the use of the term NYJER® to eliminate the offensive mispronunciation of the term "Niger". The term also prevents the common misconception of "thistle seed" being correlated with the noxious weed Canada Thistle or Creeping Thistle.
SEE THE INFO ON THE NYJER® TRADEMARK BELOW!
WHY USE THE Nyjer® TRADEMARK?
Nyjer® has been a registered trademark of the Wild Bird Feeding Institute since 1999. As of January 1, 2023, WBFI has moved from an open-licensing system to allowing members of WBFI to use the trademark and non-members to apply for an annual fee.
Selling mixes or products that include Nyjer®? See below for those licensed to use the trademark and to apply.
Who Can Use the Nyjer® TRADEMARK?
As of July 1, 2026, WBFI has modified trademark requirements. Associate businesses, distributors, feeder/accessory manufacturers, packers, and processors of Nyjer® seed (Guizotia abyssinica) are required to obtain authorization from the WBFI to use the Nyjer® trademark.
Active members of WBFI are granted authorization by completing this usage form and submitting appropriate product information and descriptions.
Non-members may be granted authorization by completing this form and paying an annual licensing fee, but membership is encouraged.
All information collected here will be kept strictly confidential only to WBFI Staff who monitor the Nyjer® Trademark use.
Authorization for major retailers/brands may receive access to use the WBFI Nyjer® trademark on their packaging if their supplier is authorized by WBFI. Retailers are still encouraged to become WBFI members, but are not required to join WBFI or pay the licensing fee if their supplier is authorized by WBFI.