Urocolius indicus
The Red-faced Mousebird (Urocolius indicus) is a captivating, slender non-passerine bird endemic to southern Africa, notable for its unique evolutionary lineage as one of the few surviving species in the ancient order Coliiformes. Measuring approximately 29 to 36 cm in length, with its exceptionally long, graduated tail contributing significantly to this measurement, it weighs between 34 and 69 grams. Its plumage is predominantly a soft, mouse-grey to brownish-grey, often with a subtle olive ...
This highly adaptable species primarily inhabits dry bushveld, open woodlands, thorny scrub, savannas, and gardens, thriving from sea level up to elevations of around 2,000 meters.
These highly frugivorous birds primarily consume a wide variety of fruits, berries, buds, flowers, leaves, and nectar, expertly plucking them from vegetation with their short, stout bills.
Red-faced Mousebirds are highly social and diurnal, often found foraging and roosting in small, cohesive flocks of 3-20 individuals, occasionally gathering in larger groups of up to 40. Their daily routine involves active foraging throughout the day, punctuated by periods of social preening and s...
The Red-faced Mousebird is widely distributed across the southern African subcontinent, being a resident species throughout its range with no significant migratory movements. Its distribution spans South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini (Swaziland), Lesotho, and extends i...
Least Concern
- Red-faced Mousebirds get their "mousebird" name from their habit of scurrying through dense vegetation with their long tails trailing behind, reminiscent of rodents. - They are one of the few bird species known to sleep hanging upside down from branches, often huddling together in large groups ...