What is a softbill? Understanding softbill birds

Many people use the term ‘softbill’ to refer to birds with large or succulent-looking beaks, such as toucans, turacos, and hornbills. However, the name ‘softbill’ more accurately describes the diet of certain birds rather than their bill texture or appearance. In aviculture, “softbill” refers to birds that prefer soft food diets.

What is a softbill? A softbill is a non-scientific term for a broad group of bird species characterised primarily by their preference for soft foods such as insects, fruit, nectar, and soft plant material. This grouping is based on diet rather than taxonomy or physical bill features.

Softbills generally fall into six broad dietary categories:

• Carnivorous: Birds that feed on small mammals, insects, and other vertebrates. Examples include kingfishers and rollers.
• Insectivorous: Birds that primarily eat insects and invertebrates, such as bee-eaters and flycatchers.
• Omnivorous: Birds that consume both plant and animal matter, including corvids and hornbills.
• Frugivorous: Fruit-eating birds, like turacos and fruit doves.
• Nectarivorous: Species feeding on flower nectar, including hummingbirds and sunbirds.
• Folivorous: Birds that consume soft plant parts like leaves and petals, such as turacos and mousebirds.

It is important to note these categories are broad and not exhaustive. Some birds may share characteristics of multiple groups or have varied diets in the wild.

Housing softbills

Softbills require specialist care and should not be considered beginner bird pets. They need large, well-planted aviaries that provide ample space to fly and perch comfortably. A recommended aviary size for a breeding pair is approximately 3m x 2m x 2.1m, with young birds moved to separate housing once independent.

Due to their size and territorial nature, softbills may show aggression, so careful planning for extra aviary space is advised if expanding your collection. Owners often struggle to provide adequate outdoor space, which can lead to poor welfare and health issues for the birds.

If you are thinking about keeping softbills, consider your available space carefully and invest in quality enclosures that prioritise their natural behaviours and needs.

Feeding your softbill

Softbills have evolved to require varied and specialist diets that can be challenging to replicate in captivity. They are less domesticated and less easily tamed than many other pet birds, so providing a good diet and enrichment is essential for their wellbeing and tameness.

It is recommended to offer a varied diet tailored to the species, including commercial softbill diets and fresh foods. For insectivorous softbills, encourage natural foraging behaviour by hiding live insects in leaf litter or similar substrates. This mental and physical stimulation boosts their health and reduces boredom.

Feed softbills at least once daily, with increased feeding frequency in summer or when young birds are present. Establish multiple feeding stations, especially when housing several birds or species, to prevent food competition and ensure all birds have access.

When acquiring your bird, discuss its dietary needs with reputable softbill breeders, and maintain any commercially prepared diet initially before gradually introducing fresh foods.

Breeding softbills responsibly

As wild populations decline in some softbill species, responsible captive breeding becomes a conservation and ethical priority. Providing the correct housing and nutrition usually results in natural breeding behaviours without intervention.

Mated pairs will lay eggs, and owners should monitor nesting and chick care. Remove young birds once independent to avoid overcrowding and enable them to grow in appropriate separate aviaries or find new homes.

Breeding softbills is a rewarding but demanding endeavour. It is wise to seek advice from experienced breeders and consult credible literature before starting, to ensure you meet all animal welfare and husbandry requirements.

Summary

Softbills are a diverse group of birds defined by their soft-food diets, including insects, fruit, nectar, and soft plants, rather than by taxonomy or bill softness. Keeping these birds demands commitment to proper housing, specialised feeding, and breeding practices to promote wellbeing and support conservation efforts.

For those willing to invest in their care, softbills make fascinating and intelligent additions to an experienced bird keeper’s collection.