The relationship that has evolved between the birds and the bird pollinated flowers may be summed up in a brief table. Need a lot of energy Large amounts of nectar and pollen offered. Some birds have learned to steal nectar from flowers that have a concealed nectary adapted for pollination by an insect. The honeyeater uses its sharp beak to penetrate the base of the petals, reaching the nectar without touching the anthers or stigmas, thus reaping the reward of nectar without bestowing the benefit of pollination. Bees may come along and use these stab holes to collect nectar after the birds have done the job.
Some birds visit flowers for different reasons.
Some parrots eat flowers, destroying the flower and preventing the fruit from maturing. This behaviour is beneficial to the parrots but is harmful to the plants. Eastern Rosellas, Crimson Rosellas and other parrots will eat various flowers, such as Mistletoes and Grevilleas, and eucalypts. Bower birds sometimes pick flowers to decorate their bowers but you would be very lucky to see evidence of this relationship between birds and flowers. Other birds may be seen near flowers and they may be insectivores hunting for insects that are visiting the flowers seeking nectar or pollen.