White-backed mousebird

Colius colius

Common name:

white-backed mousebird (en); rabo-de-junco-de-dorso-branco (pt); coliou à dos blanc (fr); pájaro-ratón dorsiblanco (es); weißrücken-mausvogel (de)

Taxonomy:

Order Coliiformes

Family Coliidae

Range:

This African species is found in the western half of South Africa, in Namibia, Botswana and along the southernmost parts of Angola.

Size:

This large mousebird is 34 cm long, with the tail comprising approximately half the length. They have a wingspan of 34-38 cm and can weigh up to 82 g.

Habitat:

The white-backed mousebird prefers scrubby dry habitats, including thornveld, fynbos scrub, savanna and semi-desert. They may also be found along forest edges, and in farmland, gardens and orchards.

Diet:

These frugivorous birds subsist mostly on fruits and berries, but can also eat seeds, leaves, shoots, flowers and nectar.

Breeding:

This sedentary birds may breed at any time of the year when the conditions are favourable. The nest is built by both sexes, a scruffy bowl made of twigs, leaves and grasses, generally well hidden in a thicket. Each clutch consists of 2-6 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 11-13 days. They young remain in the nest for 2-3 weeks and continue to be fed until they are 4-6 weeks old. They are fed by both parents and also by helpers, usually young birds from previous clutches.

Conservation:

IUCN status - LC (Least concern)

The white-backed mousebird as a large breeding range. Although the population size has not been quantified, they are described as fairly common within their range. The species is not considered threatened at present.