White-backed Mousebird

Afrikaans name: Witkruismuisvoël

White-backed Mousebird

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Colius colius

The White-backed Mousebird is one of only six species of mousebird in the world. It is found in the western half of South Africa, most of Namibia and wanders slightly into Botswana. These mousebirds are familiar garden birds in many areas, but they are also found in scrub, riverine bush and farmyards. They are particularly attracted to orchards.

They are normally seen in small flocks which move between bushes one by one keeping in contact with a chattering call. They have short legs and tend to hang from twigs while they feed. They can also be seen upside-down or at other strange angles and can be quite amusing.

The flock keeps moving from one tree or bush to another as they look for food. At other times they perch at the top of the bush seemingly to warm up in the sun. White-backed Mousebirds feed on a variety of foods such as soft fruit, nectar, some seeds, juicy leaves and flowers. They do occasionally eat insects. Although they normally search for food in bushes they can be seen on the ground as well.

They breed in all months of the year, but spring is the most common time. They make a small bowl-shaped nest low down in a bush or tree. Normally 2 to 4 whitish eggs are laid. Occasionally there are more, and this may be the result of more than one female using the same nest. The chicks are attended to by both parents.

Find out more about mousebirds.

References and further reading

The Birds of South Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Published: 1949 - Page: 159

Wildlife of the Cape Peninsula - Author: Duncan Butchart - Published: 2001 - Page: 54

The Birds of South Africa - Author: Hazel Stokes - Published: 1979 - Page: 27

Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Published: 1989 - Page: 41

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 2011 - Page: 254

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 1993 - Page: 246

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1993 - Page: 366

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1985 - Page: 370

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1981 - Page: 280

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 2000 - Page: 244

Newmans Garden Birds - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1991 - Page: 50

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1975 - Page: 267

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1984 - Page: 244

Ian Sinclairs Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Published: 1988 - Page: 174

Geoff Lockwoods Garden Birds of Southern Africa - Author: Geoff Lockwood - Published: 0 - Page: 49

Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Published: 1999 - Page: 38

Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Published: 1987 - Page: 141

Birds of the South Western Cape - Author: Joy Frandsen - Published: 0 - Page: 131

A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1975 - Page: 95

A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Published: 1983 - Page: 169

A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1959 - Page: 95

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