Mousebirds

5 species

Mousebirds are slender greyish or brown birds with soft, hairlike body feathers. They are found only in sub-Saharan Africa. These are arboreal birds that scurry through the leaves like rodents, in search of berries, fruit, and buds. This habit, and their legs, gives rise to the group\'s English name. They are acrobatic and can feed upside down. All species have strong claws and reversible outer toes (pamprodactyl feet). They also have crests and stubby bills. Mousebirds are gregarious and are found in bands of about 20 in lightly wooded country. They build cup-shaped twig nests in trees, which are lined with grasses, and lay two to three eggs.
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Mousebirds are slender greyish or brown birds with soft, hairlike body feathers. They are found only in sub-Saharan Africa. These are arboreal birds that scurry through the leaves like rodents, in search of berries, fruit, and buds. This habit, and their legs, gives rise to the group\'s English name. They are acrobatic and can feed upside down. All species have strong claws and reversible outer toes (pamprodactyl feet). They also have crests and stubby bills. Mousebirds are gregarious and are found in bands of about 20 in lightly wooded country. They build cup-shaped twig nests in trees, which are lined with grasses, and lay two to three eggs.
show less