Softbills

There is a lot of confusion about what birds are “softbills,” as the name is somewhat misleading. The beaks of Softbills are adapted for feeding on fruits, nectar, plant material, insects and/ or other small animals.

Saffron Toucanet, Pteroglossus bailloni)

Many only associate those birds with large yet light-weight and relatively fragile beaks. However, the beaks of many “softbills” are quite hard and strong, and can cause considerable damage – an experience that a good number of their human caretakers can attest to.

Authorities generally apply this name to any birds that are on a soft food diet; differentiating them from “hard-bills,” which refers to birds with hard, strong beaks that are adapted to cracking seeds and nuts.

The beaks of Softbills are adapted for feeding on fruits, nectar, plant material, insects and/ or other small animals.

The following bird species are referred to as “softbills”

Common Diseases of Softbills:

  • Listlessness, Regurgitation, Dyspnea, Weight Loss, Diarrhea, Coughing, Wheezing, Syncope: Iron Storage Disease and related entities – excessive accumulation of iron in the liver. Most of the affected birds with acute signs die.
  • Weightloss, Glucosuria, Hyperclyemia, Polyuria (excessive urination), Polydipsia: Idiopathic diabetes mellitus – probably dietary related.
  • Hemochromatosis – A Metabolic Disease of Softbills
Softbill Diet in Captivity

There is a lot of confusion about what birds are “softbills,” as the name is somewhat misleading.

Many only associate those birds with large yet light-weight and relatively fragile beaks. However, the beaks of many “softbills” are quite hard and strong, and can cause considerable damage – an experience that a good number of their human caretakers can attest to.

Authorities generally apply this name to any birds that are on a soft food diet; differentiating them from “hard-bills,” which refers to birds with hard, strong beaks that are adapted to cracking seeds and nuts.

The beaks of Softbills are adapted for feeding on fruits, nectar, plant material, insects and/ or other small animals.

 
 
 
 
 
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Gordon Ramel

Gordon is an ecologist with two degrees from Exeter University. He's also a teacher, a poet and the owner of 1,152 books. Oh - and he wrote this website.

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