The mousebirds (family Coliidae) is a family of birds belonging to the monotypic order Coliiformes. This family of gregarious birds are mostly arboreal, named after their habit of creeping through branches to feed on fruits and flowers in the trees. In addition, their buff plumage reminds of rodent fur. The family is endemic to the Afrotropical open woodlands, and all species share a very long tail and a distinctive crest.
The family comprises 6 species in 2 genera. Genus Urocolius (2 species) is featured by bright red facial skin connecting bill and eye, whereas genus Colius (4 species) are generally more buff and plain-colored.
Mpala plains, Laikipia, Kenya, 31 Jan 2024
Blue-naped mousebird
Urocolius macrourus
Distributed along arid savanna of the Sahel and east Africa. The most colorful member of the family, displaying a bright red facial skin patch and bill and a pale blue nape. I have seen this species in Kenya.
Wildebeest Eco Camp, Nairobi, Kenya, 25 Jan 2024
Common mousebird
Colius striatus
Well distributed in forest edge and savanna across Subsaharan Africa, including gardens. This species is overall brown, sporting a dark face and pale cheek. I have seen this species in Nairobi in Kenya.
