Red-faced Mousebird
NameRed-faced Mousebird
Common NameRed-faced Mousebird
Scientific NameUrocolius indicus
FamilyColiidae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)33
Weight (g)45
Plumage DetailsPredominantly dull grey-brown plumage with a paler belly. The most distinctive feature is the bright red patch of bare skin around the eye and lores. It has a prominent, spiky crest on its head and a long, graduated tail. The bill is pinkish-red at the base, transitioning to a black tip.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include soft, trilling 'tsee-tsee-tsee' or 'tsik-tsik' calls, often given in flight or while foraging. They also produce a harsher 'churr' or 'krrreee' sound as an alarm call.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread in sub-Saharan Africa, found from southern Angola and Namibia eastwards through Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, extending south into South Africa.
Identifying FeaturesBright red bare skin around the eye, Prominent crest, Long, stiff, graduated tail, Dull grey-brown body plumage, Pinkish-red bill with a black tip
Description
The Red-faced Mousebird is a slender, grey-brown bird characterized by its long, stiff tail and a prominent crest. It is highly social, often seen foraging in small flocks for fruits and berries in various wooded habitats across southern Africa.
