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Coliidae:
The mousebirds are a small group of near passerine birds which constitute the family Collidae. This group is confined to sub-Saharan Africa, and is the only bird order confined entirely to that continent. This group had a wider range in prehistoric times and apparently evolved in Europe. They are slender greyish or brown birds with soft, hairlike body feathers and very long thin tails. 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. They also have crests and stubby bills. Mousebirds are gregarious, again reinforcing the analogy with mice, and are found in bands of about twenty in lightly wooded country. These birds build twig nests in trees, which are lined with grasses. 2-4 eggs are typically laid, hatching to give quite precocious young which soon leave the nest and acquire flight. |
