Blue-naped Mousebird
NameBlue-naped Mousebird
Common NameBlue-naped Mousebird
Scientific NameUrocolius macrourus
FamilyColiidae
Wingspan (cm)30.5
Length (cm)34.5
Weight (g)46
Plumage DetailsPredominantly sandy-brown to greyish-brown with a prominent crest. Features bare reddish skin around the eyes and an iridescent blue patch on the nape. The tail is exceptionally long and graduated.
Vocalization / CallSoft, trilling 'tsee-tsee-tsee' or a harsh, chattering 'chick-chick-chick' when alarmed.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal east to Ethiopia and Somalia, and south through East Africa to parts of Southern Africa.
Identifying Featuresprominent crest, very long tail, sandy-brown plumage, reddish facial skin, blue nape patch
Description
This slender, long-tailed bird is characterized by its prominent crest and generally sandy-brown plumage. It has distinctive bare, reddish skin around its eyes and a patch of iridescent blue on its nape. Blue-naped Mousebirds are highly social, often found in small flocks foraging for fruits and other plant matter.
