The exotic Bombax ceiba tree emerges as an unlikely champion for urban biodiversity in Brazil, supporting numerous bird species and strengthening the human-nature connection.

This research reveals the ecological role of an alien tree, the Bombax ceiba, also known as the Cotton Tree, in supporting the biodiversity of nectar-feeding birds in urban areas whilst posing a low risk of adverse impacts on the environment.

Being a source of abundant nectar, the Bombax ceiba supports a broad ecological spectrum of birds, providing them with essential nutrients during a period of food scarcity.

Bombax ceiba is likely to attract birds and other native animals to cities of varying sizes and degrees of urbanization.