Speckled mousebird

Mousebirds are so named because they appear to run in a similar way to rodents when they scramble through tree branches in search of food. There are six species of mousebird, belonging to the Coliidae family, and they are all native to Africa.

The speckled mousebird (Colius striatus) is a non-migrant species that is found in central, eastern and southern Africa.

Appearance

The speckled mousebird is 12 to 16 inches (30-40 centimetres) long and weighs up to 2.5 ounces (75 grammes). The plumage, which is identical between males and females, is brown and grey with faint barring on the wings, throat and neck. The legs and feet are red. The short down-curved bill is dark grey above and light grey below.

The head has a noticeable crest and the tail is long and stiff.

A remarkable feature of mousebirds is that they have two reversible toes, by which is meant that they can point either forwards or backwards. They can therefore hang by their feet, which are then level with their shoulders, or even perch upside down.

Behaviour

Mousebirds live in flocks of up to 20 birds, with the groups comprising pairs and immature birds. They will roost hanging from branches.

They feed on fruit, leaves and buds, sometimes offering food to each other and indulging in mutual preening.

Status

The speckled mousebird is regarding as being a vulnerable species. It is not popular with farmers and suffers control measures as an agricultural pest.

© John Welford