The term softbill is non-scientific term that has been used in aviculture for numerous years to describe a diverse range of bird species based upon their dietary habits. It has no fixed taxonomic meaning and can be misleading, as many species that fall into the category do not have a soft bill at all. Softbills are also referred to as such in aviculture to differentiate them from another commonly-kept group of birds, the hookbills - i.e. the parrots.
The proper use of the term is in reference to the ‘soft food’ diets which typically fall into the following six categories:
This sixth diet type is usually in association with one of the above, as very few birds are solely folivorous. Several species of Galliformes are folivores, however they are not considered to be softbills.
A more recent definition by Clive Roots is, “Cage and aviary birds with relatively soft bills, which feed upon insects* and soft plant material and whose young are helpless at birth”.
- including other larger animal prey
This latter definition does discriminate against a few species, however as can be seen, the definition is very subjective and can encompass numerous species not generally included in the group.
References
This article incorporates text taken with permission from Softbills.org
The New Softbill Handbook Werner & Steinigeweg
The Bird Keeper's Guide to Softbills David Alderton
Softbills: their care, breeding & conservation Martin Vince
Encyclopedia of Softbilled Birds Dr. Matthew Vriends
