Jeff Wendorff's bird photography portfolio of Mousebirds in the family coliidae.
The
Mousebirds (Coliiformes) are a family of birds. This group is confined to sub-Saharan Africa, and is the only bird order confined entirely to that continent. They had a wider range in prehistoric times and apparently evolved in Europe.
Mousebirds are slender greyish or brown birds with soft, hairlike body feathers. They are typically about 10 cm in body length, with a long, thin tail a further 20–24 cm in length, and weigh 45–55 grams. They are arboreal and 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 in my portfolio include:
Speckled Mousebird, Colius striatus
Blue-naped Mousebird, Urocolius macrourus
White-headed Mousebird, Colius leucocephalus
I could not find a collective noun for
Mousebirds and so I've taken it upon myself to name a group of
Mousebirds a trap!
Join one of small private African Safaris and you just may photograph one of these really cool birds! Check it out at
Wildlife Workshops.
