Mousebirds: Order Coliiformes
The mousebirds, or colies, are a distinctive group of small, crested, African birds with dense gray or brown plumage and long, pointed tails.
The first and fourth toes are reversible, so all four toes can be directed forward. Mousebirds lack bare, unfeathered areas of skin (apteria) and molt their primary wing feathers in irregular patterns.
Mousebirds build shallow, platform-like nests, which they ornament with fresh green leaves. Several females may lay eggs in the same nest. Both sexes incubate the eggs and feed the young by regurgitation.
Mousebirds inhabit savannah, woodland edge, and brushy country throughout Africa south of the Sahara. They travel in small, tight flocks during most of the year. They often hang upside down from branches and can scurry about in bushes like mice, a habit that explains their name. They feed mainly on fruit, buds, and flowers, and at times they may damage fruit crops.
Figure A–22 Mousebirds: Speckled Mousebird.