White-backed Mousebird
NameWhite-backed Mousebird
Common NameWhite-backed Mousebird
Scientific NameColius colius
FamilyColiidae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)30.5
Weight (g)37.5
Plumage DetailsUpperparts and breast are grey-brown, with a distinctive white patch on the lower back that is often concealed. The belly is buffy-white. It has a prominent grey crest and a pale bluish-white bill with a black culmen. Legs and feet are bright red.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a soft, high-pitched 'tsee-tsee' or 'tsik-tsik' call, often given in flight or when disturbed. They can also produce a chattering sound.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, urban, forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to southern Africa, found in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Lesotho.
Identifying Featuresprominent grey crest, very long tail, grey-brown upperparts, white lower back patch (often hidden), pale bill with dark culmen, red legs
Description
The White-backed Mousebird is a small, slender bird characterized by its soft, hair-like grey-brown plumage, a prominent crest, and a very long tail. These highly social birds are often seen clambering through vegetation in small flocks, using their unique foot structure to grip branches.
