While fig trees (Ficus: Moraceae) are acknowledged as keystone resources for frugivore communities in tropical forests, their detailed use by frugivores is often poorly understood. In this study, we found over 400 fig trees of 12 species in Amurum Forest Reserve, Nigeria. We analyse bird visits to 12 individual trees of eight Ficus species, observed over a two-year period (2007–9), during which we recorded 3234 visits by 48 bird species. Different fig trees received between 23 and 826 visits during our observations; the diurnal pattern of visits was similar for all fig species, with clear morning (8h00–9h30, larger) and late afternoon (16h00, lesser) peaks, with a lull in visits around mid-day. Mean visit duration varied between 2.9 ± 1.8 min. and 20.5 ± 19.2 min. (mean ± SD) at different fig species. Birds ate between 1.7 ± 1.1 and 5.2 ± 4.4 figs per visit at different fig species. Our study provides preliminary information on Ficus–bird associations and confirms that figs are important resources for frugivorous birds in Amurum Forest Reserve. We suggest that at least four Ficus species provide disproportionately important resources for frugivorous birds: F. lutea, F. ingens, F. thonningii and F. abutilifolia.