Softbill

Softbill

File:Whitecheek.jpg

White-cheek Turaco

The following is taken from Softbills.org

The term softbill is not a scientific one and has been used, and more often misused, in aviculture for numerous years. It is a very misleading title, as many species that fall into the category do not have a softbill at all.

The proper use of the term is in reference to the 'soft food' diets which basically fall into the following six categories:

Carnivorous – those who feed on small mammals, birds or other vertebrates (eg. Kingfishers, Rollers)

Insectivorous – those who feed on insects and other invertebrates (eg. Bee-eaters, Fly-catchers)

Omnivorous – those who feed on both animal and plant material (eg. Corvids, Hornbills)

Frugivorous – those who feed on fruit (eg. Turacos, Fruit Doves)

Nectarivorous – those who feed on flower nectar (eg. Hummingbirds, Sunbirds)

Folivorous – those who feed on leafs, petals and other plant material (Turacos, Mousebirds)

• This sixth diet type is usually in association with one of the above, as very few birds are solely foliverous, a few species of Galliforme come to mind, however they are not considered to be Softbills.

Further information on this very broad group of birds at Softbills.org