Birdpollination

Birdpollination, or ornithophily, is pollination carried out by birds when they feed on nectar, transferring pollen between flowers. This mutualism occurs in many plant groups worldwide, especially where nectar-feeding birds are abundant. Birds often visit multiple flowers in rapid succession, enabling cross-pollination across individuals and sometimes across substantial distances.

Floral traits associated with birdpollination typically include bright, tubular flowers with sturdy bases, adapted to perch; large nectar rewards; colors such as red, orange, or yellow; fragrance is often weak or absent since birds rely more on sight. Nectar concentration is high to attract birds while deterring some insects.

Pollen is usually picked up by birds on the head or beak as they probe for nectar and deposited on receptive stigma of the next flower. Birdpollination tends to promote efficient pollen transfer due to birds’ mobility; however, it can be asymmetric if birds prefer certain flowers.

Geographically, in the Americas, hummingbirds pollinate many tubular flowers such as fuchsia, bromeliads, and lobeliads. In Africa, Asia, and Australia, sunbirds and honeyeaters pollinate proteas, ericas, and other nectar-rich taxa. Some plants are highly specialized, while others are visited by a mix of birds and insects.

Birdpollination is an important component of certain plant communities and ecological networks. Its evolution is closely linked to nectar production, flower morphology, and bird behavior. It can be disrupted by habitat loss, nectar scarcity, and climate change, with consequences for both plant reproduction and bird foraging dynamics.